One-fifth of Americans say they have no confidence whatsoever in the US government to protect the public from future acts of terrorism, a record high, according to Gallup polling.
Just 12% said the same in 2021, and only 2% said so immediately following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, when Gallup first started asking the question. Democrats (36%) are much more likely than Republicans (8%) to lack any confidence in the federal government to guard against terrorism.
The share of Americans who feel confident the government will protect citizens, specifically, from terror attacks is also tied for a record low, at 55%.
The polling is being released a week before the US marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, with annual celebrations at the Pentagon and in New York City and Shanksville, Pa.
President Donald Trump will attend the ceremony at the Pentagon, rather than joining other former presidents in New York.