The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals a stark reality: trust in business, particularly in the United States, continues to erode. The report highlights a broader “crisis of grievance,” with nearly 6 in 10 people globally believing that business and government serve only a select few rather than the broader public. This trust deficit isn’t just a perception issue—it has real economic and ethical consequences that impact everything from consumer behavior to employee loyalty.
As a business ethics speaker and author, I’ve spent years discussing how organizations can build trust. What this year’s Edelman report underscores is that trust isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s a fundamental requirement for long-term business success. Without it, businesses face boycotts, disengaged employees, and reputational damage that can take years to repair.
This is the first in a three-part series analyzing the Edelman Trust Barometer, starting with the reasons behind the lack of trust in U.S. businesses, the statistics from the report, and my perspective on the path forward.
Trust in Business is Declining—And the Numbers Prove It
1. The U.S. Has One of the Lowest Trust Scores for Business
While global trust in business remains higher than trust in government or media, the U.S. ranks near the bottom. The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer places U.S. business trust at 47%, below the global average of 56% and behind countries like China (77%) and India (75%).
This should be alarming to U.S. businesses. Historically, the U.S. has been a global leader in corporate innovation and ethical governance. A declining trust index signals that consumers, employees, and stakeholders are increasingly skeptical about corporate intentions.
2. Fear of Corporate Misconduct is at an All-Time High
The report finds that 70% of people believe business leaders intentionally mislead the public by saying things they know are false or exaggerated. This is a significant increase from previous years and aligns with the broader erosion of trust in institutions.
What’s driving this fear?
- High-profile corporate scandals (fraud, false advertising, data privacy violations).
- Growing concerns about AI and automation, particularly regarding job security and ethical use.
- A perception that companies prioritize profits over people, leading to skepticism about corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
3. Employees Are Losing Trust in Their Employers
One of the most striking insights is the unprecedented decline in employer trust. The report found that trust in employers to “do what is right” has dropped from 78% in 2018 to 73% in 2025—a noticeable decline over time.
Employees increasingly feel disconnected from corporate leadership, worrying about job security, layoffs, and whether their employers have their best interests at heart. With AI-driven job displacement and corporate downsizing, many feel like they’re just another number rather than a valued part of the organization.
The Ethical Perspective: Why This Matters for Business Leaders
As a business ethics expert, I see these trust numbers as a wake-up call. Companies that ignore these warning signs risk losing their credibility, customers, and talent. Here’s why:
1. Trust Directly Affects Financial Performance
A low-trust company struggles to maintain customer loyalty, attract top talent, and secure long-term investors. Businesses that prioritize transparency, fair treatment of employees, and ethical leadership outperform their competitors.
2. Distrust Leads to Increased Regulation and Scrutiny
When businesses lose public trust, governments step in with stricter regulations. In the U.S., recent corporate fraud cases and unethical AI use have led to increased calls for tighter regulations around corporate governance, cybersecurity, and AI ethics.
3. Ethical Leadership is No Longer Optional
CEOs and executives can no longer hide behind PR statements or half-hearted CSR initiatives. The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer shows that people want action, not words. Companies that genuinely invest in ethical business practices will be the ones that thrive in this new era of accountability.
The Path Forward: Rebuilding Trust in Business
The data is clear—trust in business is in crisis, but it’s not beyond repair. To restore trust, companies must:
✅ Be Transparent – Share decision-making processes openly and address public concerns honestly.
✅ Prioritize Ethical Leadership – Hold executives accountable for ethical misconduct.
✅ Invest in Employees – Create better job security, fair wages, and career development programs.
✅ Commit to Real CSR Efforts – Move beyond token social impact campaigns to meaningful community engagement.
This is just the first article in a three-part series. The next article will explore how AI and automation are worsening distrust in business and what leaders can do about it.
What are your thoughts on the declining trust in business? Have you experienced workplace distrust firsthand? Let’s start the conversation in the comments.
