The CEO cut of the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer shows a growing credibility crisis for business leaders, with widespread concern that CEOs may mislead the public. While “my CEO” remains more trusted than CEOs in general, major societal shifts such as the rise of AI are straining that trust, particularly among non-executive employees. CEOs are expected to close widening societal and workplace trust gaps but are falling short, putting organizational cohesion, employee confidence and broader societal trust at risk.

Despite the buzz, AI isn’t a daily tool for most employees. Real adoption depends on easing fears, strengthening trust, and helping people use it in small, meaningful ways.

Edelman has been at the forefront of understanding this intangible force of society, observing seismic shifts in institutional trust over the past 25 years.

Data from over 25,000 nationally representative respondents to an online survey conducted in 22 countries were analyzed to understand the predictors and potential mitigators of political polarization.

Executives need guidance about managing their organizations’ engagement with societal issues—including hot-button topics such as gender, climate, and racial discrimination.

An analysis of the reports we published this year reveals some clear themes for how institutions and their leaders can make it more likely they will earn trust.

Presented in partnership with GLAAD, these key findings highlight the importance of U.S. businesses speaking out in support of LGBTQ+ people and issues.

Explore the characteristics of a trusted CEO, based on data from a 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer Special Analysis.

This analysis, produced in collaboration with Harvard Business School’s Institute for the Study of Business in Global Society, focuses on the unique role that employers hold in today’s highly polarized society.

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