A Record 65% of Americans Say Federal Employees Are Competent. Only 27% Trust the Government.

Public trust in federal employees is holding up far better than the headlines suggest. A new national survey from the Partnership for Public Service found that a record 65% of Americans say most civil servants are competent, the highest level the Partnership has measured since its surveys began in 2021. If it has felt like the whole country turned on you, these numbers say otherwise.

What the Survey Found

The Partnership's survey was a nationally representative poll of 1,000 U.S. adults, fielded March 31 to April 5. Among the key results:

• 65% say most civil servants are competent. That is a record for the Partnership's surveys, which started in 2021.
• 61% say most civil servants are committed to helping people like them, up from 56%. That figure is also the highest the Partnership has measured.
• Majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and independents all say most civil servants are competent.

The Gains Came From Across the Aisle

The increase was driven largely by Republicans and independents. Among Republicans, the share saying most civil servants are committed to helping people like them rose from 52% to 63%. Independents showed an even larger jump. As Shaun Southworth put it, it is hard to name anything else that Democrats, Republicans, and independents all agree on right now.

The Numbers That Went the Other Way

Not every figure moved up. Trust in civil servants slipped from 49% to 44%. And 64% of respondents say the government's management is headed in the wrong direction.

But look at the comparison that matters most: trust in the federal government itself stands at just 27%. Federal employees are out-polling their own employer by 17 points. The public appears to be drawing a clear line between the people who do the work and the way the government is being run.

Why This Matters for Federal Employees

For many federal employees, the past year and a half has brought layoffs, reorganizations, and a steady stream of public criticism. It is easy to absorb that criticism as a verdict on your own work. This survey is a useful reminder that most Americans still see federal employees as competent and committed to serving them, and that more of them feel that way now than when the Partnership started asking.

Members of Congress pay attention to polls. If you want your representatives to see these numbers, you have the right to contact Congress. Do it on your own time and your own personal device, not during duty hours or on government equipment. Shaun suggests one option: texting RESIST to 50409 to send a message to your representatives.

A Practical Takeaway

Public opinion does not change your legal rights, but it can change how you carry the work. When the news feels relentless, remember that the people you serve largely see you as competent and on their side. Share these numbers with a colleague who needs to hear them.

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Legal Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Federal employment situations are fact-specific and time-sensitive. Please consult a qualified federal employment attorney about your specific situation. You can contact Southworth PC at attorneysforfederalemployees.com.