Majority of Americans frustrated with too much money in politics, poll finds

WASHINGTON, DC: A new poll suggests Americans across the political spectrum are growing increasingly frustrated with the role money plays in US politics.

Politico released survey findings on Saturday, May 9, showing that 72 per cent of Americans believe there is too much money involved in politics, while only 5 per cent said they disagreed.

The numbers reflect a rare point of agreement between supporters of President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris at a time when political divisions remain deeply intense across the country.

Trump and Harris voters largely agree on money in politics

One of the most striking takeaways from the poll was the level of agreement between voters from both major political camps.

According to the survey, 80 percent of Harris voters said there is too much money in American politics. Trump voters were not far behind, with 77 percent saying the same thing.

Only small percentages on either side disagreed. Five percent of Harris supporters and 4 percent of Trump supporters said they do not believe there is too much money in politics.

The numbers suggest that frustration over campaign spending, wealthy donors and political influence extends far beyond party lines.

Pollsters also found that many Americans believe financial power directly impacts election results. Thirty-nine percent of respondents said money can outright buy election outcomes, while another 34 percent said money strongly influences elections even if it does not completely determine the results.

“Americans know that money matters, expressing a broad skepticism about how elections are decided,” Politico wrote while discussing the findings.

“A plurality believes the candidate with the most money — not the most popular positions — wins,” the outlet added.

Americans say billionaires and special interest groups have too much influence

The poll also highlighted growing public discomfort over the influence of billionaires and special interest groups in politics.

Sixty-one percent of Americans said billionaires have too much political influence, while only 15 percent felt billionaires currently have the right amount of influence.

Political parties themselves were also viewed skeptically by many respondents. Nearly half of adults surveyed, or 46 percent, said political parties have too much influence over the system.

Americans also appeared deeply concerned about the role of special interest spending during campaigns.

Fifty-three percent of respondents overall said campaign spending by special interest groups should be viewed as a form of corruption and restricted.

Support for limiting that spending crossed party lines as well. Sixty-one percent of Harris voters and 56 percent of Trump voters agreed that special interest campaign spending should face restrictions.

The findings point toward a feeling among voters that political influence is increasingly tied to wealth and financial power rather than public support alone.

Election spending continues to rise across the United States

The poll arrives as campaign spending in American politics continues reaching historic levels.

According to data referenced in the survey, election spending during the 2024 cycle topped $14.8 billion.

That made it the second-highest amount ever spent in US politics, behind the nearly $18 billion spent during the 2020 election cycle.

Both of the highest spending records came during presidential election years, reflecting the enormous amount of money flowing into national campaigns.

As political fundraising continues to grow, concerns about outside influence and billionaire involvement also appear to be rising among voters from both parties.

The Politico survey was conducted between April 11 and April 14 and included responses from 2,035 participants. The poll’s margin of error was 2.2 percentage points.