Poll: Americans View First Responders as Most Courageous, Elected Officials as Least

WASHINGTON — Majorities of Americans identify first responders as the group exhibiting the most courage, while viewing elected leaders in the U.S. government as showing the least, according to a Gallup survey conducted between May 12 and May 22, 2026. The findings are based on a nationally representative sample of more than 3,000 U.S. adults from Gallup's probability-based panel.

When asked to choose three groups from a list of 16 that they most associate with courage—defined as "deciding to do what's right in the face of personal cost"—60% of respondents selected first responders, which includes firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel. Military personnel were chosen by 41%, and nurses were selected by 27%. In contrast, elected government leaders and social media influencers received only 4% each, while business leaders and athletes were chosen by 2% of respondents.

Conversely, when asked which groups they associate least with courage, 54% of U.S. adults selected elected government leaders, followed by social media influencers at 48%, business leaders at 27%, journalists at 24%, and teenagers at 23%.

Perceptions of courage also varied across political affiliations. While first responders were the top choice across all affiliations—selected by 72% of Republicans, 58% of independents, and 53% of Democrats—other groups showed larger partisan divides. Sixty-seven percent of Republicans included military personnel among the most courageous groups, compared to 37% of independents and 24% of Democrats. Faith leaders were chosen by 31% of Republicans, 13% of independents, and 9% of Democrats. Conversely, Democrats were more likely than Republicans to select journalists (33% vs. 3%), teachers (32% vs. 10%), scientists (26% vs. 2%), and community or nonprofit leaders (19% vs. 6%).

Regarding specific actions, 65% of Americans stated that refusing to go along with something believed to be wrong at personal cost requires a lot or an extraordinary amount of courage. A similar share (64%) said the same for standing by a decision despite personal attacks. Majorities also viewed confronting leaders in one's own group (57%) and speaking out against unfair treatment (55%) as requiring substantial courage.

Despite low overall ratings for elected officials as a group, majorities of respondents reported seeing individual leaders take courageous stands. Seventy percent reported seeing an elected official stand by a decision despite personal attacks, and 64% reported seeing a leader publicly disagree with their own side. Additionally, 59% had seen a leader confront their own party leadership, and 57% observed a leader speak up against unfair treatment. However, fewer respondents reported seeing leaders reach out across party lines to find common ground (43%) or admit to being wrong about an important issue (29%).

Source