People in the Midwest are more distrustful of major American institutions than any other part of the country, according to new data from the Edelman Trust Barometer.
The big picture: Midwesterners’ skepticism spares no one. Compared with the Northeast, South and West, the Midwest has the lowest levels of trust in every institution — the government, the media, business and nonprofits.
- Trust is highest in the Northeast.
Between the lines: Strong feelings about corporate America may drive some of the region’s mistrust.
- 70% of Midwesterners — more than any other region — believe businesses should serve their customers’ and employees’ interests, not just the interests of their investors.
- 87% of Midwesterners believe businesses should invest in their communities, and less than half believe businesses actually do so.