Disapproval of Congress reaches record highs amid scandals

Public disapproval of Congress has climbed to record levels, driven by a string of scandals and a widespread sense that the institution is broken. Yet at least one lawmaker says there's reason for optimism.

Utah Republican Rep. Mike Kennedy, speaking amid the furor over congressional ethics and conduct, said he has been impressed by the good character of his colleagues — even as the institution they serve suffers from historically low public trust. Kennedy's perspective offers a rare counterpoint in an era where polls consistently show Americans view Congress as one of the least trusted institutions in the country.

The numbers paint a grim picture. Congressional approval ratings have hovered in the teens and low twenties for years, and recent scandals involving misuse of campaign funds, inappropriate relationships, and ethical lapses have only deepened public cynicism. Each new revelation seems to confirm what many voters already believe: that Congress is out of touch and unaccountable.

But Kennedy argues the system is functioning as designed. The Constitution created a legislature built on debate, compromise, and friction — not efficiency. The messiness, he suggests, is a feature, not a bug. And amid the scandals, there are still lawmakers who show up, do the work, and serve with integrity.

Whether voters share that view is another question. The gap between how members of Congress view their institution and how the public perceives it remains vast. Trust, once lost at this scale, is notoriously difficult to rebuild.

What This Means For You: Record-low confidence in Congress means your representatives are working with diminished legitimacy, making it harder for them to pass legislation — even the kind you might actually want. If you've ever wondered why nothing seems to get done in Washington, the erosion of public trust is both a symptom and a cause.