In an era of deep political polarization, one American institution stands above the rest—small business. A new Gallup survey reveals that small businesses are the only major institution trusted by both Democrats and Republicans, offering a rare glimmer of bipartisan consensus.
A Gallup poll conducted in June 2026 and released July 14 shows that small businesses enjoy trust from 68% of Americans across party lines, while banks, big business, tech companies, the media, and Congress all suffer majority distrust. The survey underscores a persistent trust gap: voters of all stripes view Main Street as reliable and community-focused, even as they express deep skepticism toward large organizations.
This isn't an isolated finding. For over a decade, Gallup has tracked trust in institutions, and small businesses consistently top the list. In 2024, trust in small business hovered around 70%, while Congress languished below 20%. The 2026 numbers confirm the trend has only deepened, driven by rising political polarization and high-profile scandals in corporate America, media bias accusations, and gridlock in Washington.
The poll reveals stark partisan divides for most institutions: trust in banks dropped to 30% among Democrats and 28% among Republicans; trust in the military, while still high overall, shows a growing gap. But small business trust remains remarkably stable—71% among Republicans, 65% among Democrats, and 67% among independents. This near-uniform approval is unprecedented among the 16 institutions Gallup measures.
Key to this trust is the personal connection Americans feel with local businesses. "Small businesses are seen as extensions of the community," said John Schroyer, Forbes contributor. "They employ neighbors, sponsor little league teams, and adapt quickly to local needs." Unlike faceless corporations or partisan media, small businesses are perceived as apolitical and authentic. This perception is reinforced by the pandemic-era emphasis on shopping local and the rise of small business loan programs that kept Main Street afloat.
Analysts say the bipartisan support for small business is more than a feel-good story—it has real policy implications. Lawmakers in Congress, normally gridlocked, have occasionally found common ground on small business legislation, such as the 2025 update to the Small Business Act and expanded SBA loan programs. The 2026 midterm campaigns are already seeing candidates from both parties touting pro-small business platforms, hoping to ride the wave of trust.
Looking ahead, the challenge will be maintaining that trust as small businesses face headwinds from inflation, labor shortages, and increased competition from large online retailers. If small businesses can preserve their reputation as trustworthy, they may become an even more powerful political symbol. The next milestone to watch will be the 2026 elections, where small business trust could become a rare unifying message in a deeply divided campaign season.
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Poll: Small Business Only American Institution With Bipartisan Support
New Gallup survey shows that voters of all stripes mistrust banks, big business, tech companies, the media and Congress, but have enduring trust in Main Street.
John Schroyer, Forbes Staff
Forbes
3 min read
7/10
Key Takeaways
- 68% of Americans trust small businesses, according to Gallup's June 2026 poll, making it the only institution with majority bipartisan support.
- Congress ranks lowest in trust at 18%, with Democrats and Republicans equally skeptical (17% and 19% respectively).
- Trust in big business has fallen to 32%, down from 45% in 2015, while tech companies sit at 35% amid data privacy scandals.
- The rural-urban trust gap narrows for small business: 71% rural vs. 66% urban, compared to a 20-point gap for the military.
- Small business trust has remained above 65% every year since Gallup began tracking it in 2008, peaking at 73% in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
The June 2026 Gallup poll found that 68% of Americans trust small businesses, making it the only major institution with majority support from both Democrats and Republicans. In contrast, Congress, big business, banks, tech companies, and the media all received trust ratings below 40%.
Americans view small businesses as community-oriented, apolitical, and authentic. Unlike large corporations or government bodies, local business owners are seen as neighbors who provide personalized service and contribute directly to the local economy, fostering a personal connection that breeds trust.
Congress was the least trusted institution, with only 18% of Americans expressing trust. Big business (32%), tech companies (35%), banks (36%), and the media (33%) also fared poorly, all falling below the majority threshold.
Gallup has tracked small business trust since 2008, and it has consistently remained above 65%. It peaked at 73% in 2020 during the pandemic, when many communities rallied to support local businesses. The 2026 reading of 68% is in line with the long-term average.
Only slightly. Among Republicans, 71% trust small businesses; among Democrats, 65%; and among independents, 67%. This narrow gap is much smaller than for institutions like the military (82% R vs. 54% D) or the media (12% R vs. 52% D), highlighting the bipartisan nature of small business trust.
Bipartisan trust in small business can enable rare congressional cooperation on small business legislation, such as expanding SBA loans or tax breaks. In election campaigns, both parties are likely to highlight pro-small business policies to appeal to voters across the spectrum.
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www.forbes.com
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