Americans and their Federal Agencies

With election season in full swing, I thought it might be interesting to examine how perceptions of our federal agencies have shifted over time. Based on 2023 data from the Pew Research Center, this month's chart reveals some surprising insights into how American sentiment toward their federal agencies has recently shifted.

Veterans Affairs
Americans feel pretty good about the Department of Veterans Affairs, which saw an increase in favorability between 2019 and 2023. This could suggest a growing appreciation for the services and support provided to our veterans. As financial professionals, it’s always heartening to highlight any sort of gratitude toward those who have served our country.

Taxes and the IRS
The IRS, responsible for tax collection, remains one of the least popular agencies. Interestingly, the IRS was viewed more favorably not too long ago—in 2019, it had a net favorable view of +15 percentage points.

Stalwart Social Security
Social Security, a crucial source of retirement income for many Americans, has managed to maintain steady favorability. The stability in public opinion about Social Security highlights its essential role and the trust people place in it as a reliable source of income for retirees and those in need.

National Park Service and NASA
The National Park Service now enjoys the highest favorability among federal agencies. Its management of natural treasures and recreational areas continues to win public admiration. Likewise, NASA remains a beloved institution despite a slight decline in favorability.

Did any of this month's data surprise you? Let us know! As always, don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further information.