If you ask a room full of young adults what they think of the federal government, don’t expect a flood of excitement or optimism. In fact, according to a recent study by the Partnership for Public Service, only 15% of adults aged 18 to 34 say they trust the federal government. For those in the national security space, where trust in institutions is essential, this is a big deal.
The report, Rebuilding Young Adults’ Trust in Government through Authentic Communications, dives deep into what’s behind this troubling statistic—and why it’s so critical to close the gap. The reality? A large portion of this generation not only distrusts the government but is also uninterested in working for it. With the federal workforce rapidly aging (42% over 50 years old), this poses a serious risk for agencies, especially those in national security who are struggling to attract fresh talent.
Let’s break down the study and uncover why young adults feel this way and what can be done to turn things around.
Distrust in Government: It’s Not Just Politics
You might expect that trust in the federal government splits neatly down party lines, especially in today’s polarized political climate. Surprisingly, the Partnership’s survey showed relatively small differences between political affiliations. While 37% of young Democrats trust the federal government, only slightly fewer Republicans (30%) and independents (23%) feel the same.
So, what’s really driving the trust deficit? According to the study, it’s not just about red versus blue—it’s more about authenticity and integrity.
One recurring theme from focus groups conducted in the study was the perception of corruption. When asked to describe the federal government in one or two words, “corrupt” was the top response. A full 41% of respondents identified corruption as one of the biggest drivers of their mistrust, followed closely by the influence of money and special interests. One participant, Heidi, from a lower-income household, noted, “[The government] takes into account what they think the American people need or want, but … I think they take in a lot of other things and special interests of different corporations and lobbyists.”
These concerns echo across the political spectrum and economic divides. It’s not just that young people feel ignored—they feel sidelined by a government that seems more focused on wealthy and powerful interests than the average citizen.
Why Should Young People Work for the Government?
Beyond the trust issue, there’s another major concern: recruitment. Right now, only 7.5% of the federal workforce is under the age of 30, and according to the report, around two-thirds of young adults have never even considered applying for a federal job.
That’s a staggering statistic, especially when you consider the critical needs of the federal government, particularly in national security. As senior civil servants retire, agencies could face a dangerous shortage of workers—workers who are essential to ensuring that our national security apparatus runs smoothly.
But attracting young talent isn’t just about opening job listings. The study suggests that the key lies in building trust—not only with the public but with potential recruits. Without trust, agencies will continue to have a tough time getting younger workers to even consider federal service.
A Desire for Transparency and Authenticity
If you take one thing away from this report, let it be this: young people want authentic, transparent communication from the federal government. According to the study, only 28% of people ages 18–34 feel that the government communicates effectively with them. A mere 33% think federal communication is clear, and even fewer believe it’s transparent.
Young adults in the focus groups repeatedly expressed a desire for more straightforward, no-nonsense communication from the government. As Nicole, an independent voter, said, “A common theme we’ve talked about is transparency and honesty, and I want to hear the truth, not just what [the government] thinks I want to hear.” It’s a simple request: tell it like it is.
This desire for transparency extends beyond day-to-day messaging. A significant 69% of survey respondents said they want the government to focus on both successes and challenges in a balanced way, rather than just touting wins. Young adults are not interested in sugarcoated messages; they want to understand the full picture.
The Importance of Humanizing Federal Work
Another takeaway from the study? Federal employees are seen as faceless bureaucrats—if they’re seen at all. The report suggests that humanizing the people behind the government could help shift perceptions. It could also help young adults to stop equating politics with working for the federal government.
There’s a tendency for young adults to view the federal government as a monolithic, unfeeling entity. But when prompted to think about the positives, focus group participants did acknowledge that the government provides essential services. Cody, a Republican respondent, reflected, “I can see why a lot of people would say corrupt … but I also feel that there are some positives. There are programs for people, like drug treatment and mental health … So there’s some good and bad.”
Nick, a Democrat, added, “[Government] is one of those things that just runs in the background—you shouldn’t even think about it until it becomes an issue.” He appreciated the government’s role in keeping the lights on, delivering mail, and maintaining net neutrality, even if he didn’t think about it daily.
The Path Forward: How to Rebuild Trust
So, how do we fix this? The Partnership for Public Service offers several recommendations:
1. Communicate Authentically
Federal agencies must be transparent in their communication, acknowledging both successes and failures. Sugarcoating will only deepen the trust gap.
2. Highlight Federal Employees
Humanizing government workers and showcasing the meaningful work they do could help young adults connect with the government on a personal level.
3. Leverage Trusted Messengers
Partnering with influencers or organizations that young adults already trust could help the government’s message reach a more receptive audience.
4. Engage in Two-Way Conversations
Government agencies need to create opportunities for dialogue with young adults, allowing them to voice their concerns and feel heard.
As national security professionals, rebuilding trust with the next generation is critical. Without it, we risk not only a disengaged public but an empty federal pipeline, unable to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. By focusing on authenticity, transparency, and engagement, we can start to rebuild the trust that’s been lost—and maybe even inspire the next generation of federal workers – and federal contractors.
