Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe that President Donald Trump has engaged in illegal or unethical activity to profit from his presidency, according to a new poll released by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The nationwide survey, conducted between September 24 and September 28 with 2,140 U.S. adults polled, found that 41% believe Trump has done something illegal to profit from his position, while an additional 18% stated he has done something unethical, but not illegal. This brings the total to 59% who express distrust in Trump's ethical or legal behavior. Only 18% of respondents said Trump has done “nothing wrong,” with another 21% unsure. More adults perceive Trump as focused on his own business interests and those of his inner circle than on the country or people like them, the poll indicated. A majority, 56%, said Trump has prioritized his personal business interests “a lot.” Similarly, 54% of Americans feel the same about Trump and the business interests of his friends and family. In contrast, only 23% said he has prioritized the country “a lot,” and a mere 11% believe Trump has prioritized people like them “a lot.” Half of Americans stated Trump has not prioritized people like them at all. Trump's net worth has significantly increased since he first took office. Forbes reported in September that his net worth has reached $7 billion, up from $2.3 billion when he entered office in 2017. This growth has been attributed in part to various cryptocurrency ventures.
According to his recent annual financial disclosure form, Trump earned nearly $600 million from World Liberty Financial, a crypto exchange he created in 2024. He also made $635 million from CIC Digital LLC, which marketed his $TRUMP “meme” coin. Trump told CNBC host Joe Kernen in July that he has done “nothing illegal” or “wrong.” The poll also revealed partisan divides in these perceptions. Eight in 10 Democrats believe Trump has done something illegal, while 3 in 10 independents and 1 in 10 Republicans share that view. Trump is currently facing low approval ratings ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.