The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer Special Report: Fairness and Opportunity in the U.S. reveals a nation fractured by shared experiences of exclusion and distrust. Three in four people in the U.S. report that they have experienced discrimination due to an aspect of their racial, gender, political or income background – whether at work, in civic life, at school, as consumers, or among peers. This shared reality of discrimination is fracturing trust in institutions.

Besides “My employer,” no institution is fully trusted to address discrimination, despite high expectations. Employers stand alone in earning trust with their stakeholders, but even that trust is fragile. Perceived progress on addressing racism in the workplace has declined over the past year among employees, especially among younger generations who are increasingly anxious about the future.

Amid social division and uncertainty, this report highlights a deeper public desire: access to opportunity that is real, fair, and within reach – and a call for institutions, especially employers, to rise to the moment. Once again, the power of the personal makes an impact, with more trust being placed in managers over senior leadership to tell the truth about diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization. A thriving workplace is built on fairness, opportunity, and authenticity. Across race, age, and political lines, employees align on the cultural foundations that drive trust, growth, and belonging on the job.