The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, a global survey examining public trust in institutions, reveals a significant decline in trust across business, government, media, and NGOs, driven by a widespread sense of grievance. This grievance is linked to perceptions of unfairness and inequality, particularly concerning wealth distribution and institutional actions. The study also explores the impact of this distrust on economic optimism and societal stability, highlighting the urgent need to rebuild trust across institutions. Specific findings show business is viewed as most competent and ethical, but this perception is heavily influenced by levels of societal grievance.The study reveals a worldwide crisis of trust, fuelled by a sense of grievance against institutions and the wealthy. The annual online survey, in its 25th year, shows that a majority of people hold grievances against business, government, and the rich.The survey, which included over 33,000 respondents across 28 countries, indicates that this crisis is undermining faith in leaders and institutions, and driving a zero-sum mindset.Key findings from the report include:?ÇóWidespread Grievance: 61% of people across 26 countries (excluding China and Thailand) hold a moderate or higher sense of grievance because they feel that business and government serve a select few, their actions hurt them, the system favors the rich, and the rich are getting richer?ÇóErosion of Trust: Trust in institutions like business, government, media, and NGOs is low, with a global average Trust Index score of 56. Only business is seen as both competent and ethical, while media is seen as less competent and unethical.?ÇóDistrust of Leaders: There is a growing fear that leaders are purposely misleading people. This includes government leaders, business leaders, and journalists.?ÇóEconomic Concerns: Many employees worry about job security, and 67% of people believe the wealthy do not pay their fair share of taxes.?ÇóZero-Sum Mindset: People with a high sense of grievance are twice as likely to have a zero-sum mindset, believing that what benefits others comes at a cost to them.?ÇóSupport for Hostile Activism: 40% of people approve of hostile activism to drive change, with over half of young adults (18-34) agreeing. This includes actions such as attacking people online, spreading disinformation, and even threatening or committing violence.?ÇóLack of Optimism: There is a lack of optimism about the future, with only a small minority in developed countries believing that the next generation will be better off.The report also highlights a significant trust gap between high and low income earners. Low-income individuals are far less trusting of institutions than their high-income counterparts, and are more likely to distrust business, government, media and NGOs.The Edelman Trust Barometer suggests that this crisis has been fueled by a generation of institutional failures. These failures have led to the erosion of trust in authorities and a shift towards relying on peers. Events such as the Battle of Seattle WTO protests, the financial crisis, Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine have further strained trust in institutions.The report offers a path forward, emphasizing the need for all institutions to work together to rebuild trust. Recommendations include:?ÇóBusiness: Should empower people with well-paid jobs and skills for the future, and act to fix problems they've caused. Employers also need to create an environment of civility in the workplace.?ÇóGovernment: Must deliver results that benefit people and understand what people need and want.?ÇóNGOs: Should fight divisiveness and repair the social fabric.?ÇóMedia: Needs to prioritize facts and focus on informing the public.The survey indicates that when trust increases, economic optimism can overpower grievance. Therefore, the report concludes, it is crucial that institutions work to address the root causes of grievance to enable trust, growth, and prosperity.