In a recent survey conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, it was found that less than a quarter of American adults have confidence in the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to act impartially during Donald Trump’s administration.
The survey highlighted that only about 20% of adults feel extremely or very confident that the DOJ will remain nonpartisan throughout Trump’s tenure. This sentiment extends to the FBI, reflecting a broader skepticism about the justice system’s impartiality under the current administration.
Interestingly, even among Republicans, there is a notable division regarding the fairness of these agencies. Only 25% of Republican respondents are very confident that the DOJ and FBI will not favor any political side, while approximately 40% are somewhat confident, and about a third have minimal or no confidence at all.
This skepticism appears to stem from years of criticism directed at these agencies by Trump and his allies. Pam Bondi, nominated as the new Attorney General, along with Kash Patel, picked to lead the FBI, have both been vocal critics of the institutions they are set to join. Bondi, on a radio show, labeled special prosecutor Jack Smith and other prosecutors charging Trump as ‘horrible individuals’ allegedly using the legal system as a tool against Trump. Patel has called for significant reductions in the FBI’s authority.
The survey also covered public opinions on Trump’s other cabinet nominees. Approximately 20% of Americans approve of Pete Hegseth’s nomination as Secretary of Defense, with a similar percentage approving Tulsi Gabbard for intelligence chief and Kash Patel as FBI director. However, about a third disapprove of each choice, while the rest remain neutral or uninformed.
Trump’s strategy of selecting loyalists and individuals without traditional governmental experience for key positions seems to be another point of contention. Around 25% of Americans deem it beneficial for the president to rely on non-governmental advisors, but about 50% feel it would be disadvantageous. Republicans are more inclined to support this approach, with 40% in favor compared to 20% of independents and 10% of Democrats.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., although controversial, remains a popular nominee among Republicans. Known mostly for his anti-vaccine stance, Kennedy has been nominated as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services. He enjoys significant support from the Republican base, with 60% backing his nomination despite broader public ambivalence.
Conducted between January 9 and 13, this survey involved 1,147 adults and was part of the AmeriSpeak Panel, designed to represent the U.S. populace. The margin of error for the results is +/- 3.9 percentage points.
The survey underscores a significant lack of trust in the DOJ and FBI’s ability to operate impartially under President Trump, reflecting wider doubts about his administration’s approach to governance. This lack of confidence spans across party lines, highlighting the challenges faced by these institutions in regaining public trust.
