Poll Finds Overwhelming Majority Say Money Has Corrupted American Politics

A fresh poll reported by The Hill confirms what many of us already suspect: money has strangled American politics. According to the survey, a striking 72 percent of respondents say there is too much money involved in political campaigns and decision-making. This consensus spans the political spectrum, with even 5 percent of Kamala Harris supporters and 4 percent of Trump voters agreeing on the problem.

This is not some fringe grievance. It is a broad, bipartisan alarm bell signaling that the American political system is increasingly beholden to wealthy donors, corporate interests, and special interest groups. The consequences are clear and dire: policies skewed to benefit the rich and powerful, the drowning out of ordinary voices, and the erosion of democratic accountability.

The Trump administration’s record only deepened this crisis. From self-dealing to corporate cronyism, the influence of money in politics has fueled authoritarian overreach and corruption. Trump’s tariffs, for example, were less about national interest and more about enriching select industries and allies, at the expense of American consumers and workers.

This poll is a call to action. If we want to reclaim our democracy, we must confront the corrosive role of money in politics head-on. That means pushing for transparency, campaign finance reform, and holding accountable those who prioritize profit over the public good.

At Only Clowns Are Orange, we will keep spotlighting the stories that expose this rot. Because neutrality in the face of corruption is complicity. The time to demand accountability is now.