Trust in the News

A curated lens on trust across the headlines.

Trust shapes every story and every system. In this section, we gather and curate timely articles, essays, book excerpts, and commentary that explore how trust is being built, tested, and reimagined across every corner of society.

We organize these insights by media type to help you explore the evolving state of trust in the way that works best for you. Items in bold are external links.

News & Analysis

In-depth reporting and investigative journalism from trusted media outlets examining trust in institutions, leadership, governance, and democracy. Examples: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, ProPublica, The Guardian, Inside HigherEd.

"Why is it so hard for the authorities to win public trust? Maybe because they keep lying to us.” – The Guardian (UK) dissects how secrecy undermines public confidence.
Axios PM – Highlights a sharp partisan divide in U.S. institutional trust — Republicans’ confidence up, Democrats’ down.
“When institutions crumble, strongmen step in” – The Washington Post explores how declining trust fuels authoritarian appeal.
“Voters’ trust in the government hits record low” – The Times (UK) reports that only 12% have faith in the government post-pandemic and following Brexit.
“BBC losing trust with slow response to crises” – Ofcom warns that the BBC’s mishandling of controversies erodes credibility.
“BBC’s repeated failures to curb abuse and bias have shattered trust” – The Sun explores institutional betrayal at the BBC.
“Bring on the MAGA revolts” – Wired covers backlash within the base and its impact on institutional trust.
“Philanthropy wants to build Gen Z’s confidence in institutions” – AP News explores youth-targeted trust restoration efforts.
“The secret to actually trusting each other” – Vox lays out psychological foundations for interpersonal trust.
Edelman Trust Barometer (2025) – Global report showing “crisis of grievance” toward key institutions.

Books on Trust

Excerpts, reviews, and recommendations from authors and researchers exploring the psychology, sociology, and philosophy of trust, plus its role in business, education, and public life. Featured titles span nonfiction, memoir, and even fiction that wrestles with themes of trust and betrayal.

The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey – Explores how trust enhances speed and performance in business.
Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday – Examines trust manipulation in media ecosystems.
The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle – Investigates how trust emerges in high-performing teams.
The Trust Edge by David Horsager – Provides eight pillars to strengthen professional trust.
Oxford Handbook of Social and Political Trust by Eric M. Uslaner – Explores the role of race, class, and religion in political trust.
Trust and Betrayal in the Workplace by Dennis S. Reina & Michelle L. Reina – Framework for trust repair and rebuilding.

Podcasts & Interviews

Audio conversations that bring trust to life through storytelling, research translation, or leadership dialogue. Includes episodes from “Trust Be Told” and other curated podcasts exploring trust in society, institutions, and identity.

Trust Be Told – Conversations with leaders in trust research and practice.
Meme Team - Deep dives into trust across marketing, business, and culture.
On the Media – Episodes exploring media trust crises.
Hidden Brain – Episodes like “Breaking Trust” on interpersonal vulnerability.
The Ezra Klein Show – Interviews about institutional legitimacy.
Lex Fridman Podcast – Guests exploring human trust and AI trust.
The Daily (NYT) – Deep dives on policy and public trust.
On with Kira Swisher – Tech leaders discussing user trust.
Harvard Business Review Ideacast – Insights on trust in leadership/teams.
Columbia Journalism Review Podcast – Journalistic trust and ethics.
Pod Save America – Trust dynamics across the partisan spectrum.

Substack Spotlights

Curated essays from independent writers and subject matter experts publishing deep dives, trend analysis, and personal narratives about trust in a decentralized media landscape. We aim to feature new voices and emerging insights on a regular basis.

Hannah Gais on trust in science communication.
Bari Weiss on rebuilding journalistic honesty.
Anne Helen Petersen on institutional accountability.
Ezra Klein on systemic trust and public institutions.
Matt Yglesias on policy trust and governance.
Emily Oster on parental trust in expertise.
Glenn Greenwald on media & trust transparency.
Matt Taibbi on political narrative and public faith.
Heather Cox Richardson on the historical perspective of political trust.
Zeynep Tufekci on tech trust and algorithm accountability.
Evelyn Quartz on power, trust, and institutional legitimacy.
Casper ter Kuile on the power of rituals, meaning making, and belonging.

Opinion & Commentary

Columns, think pieces, and editorial reflections that question, challenge, and deepen our understanding of trust in contemporary culture.
Sources may include op-eds, academic blogs, and guest commentary from thought leaders.

Opinion: The Guardian’s “Why… authorities… keep lying to us” – commentary on transparency and trust cycles.
Washington Post: “When institutions crumble…” – authoritarianism as trust erosion’s consequence.
Wired: “Bring On the MAGA Revolt” – breakdown of intra-party trust dynamics.
The Times: “BBC losing trust…” – editorial perspective on institutional accountability.
AP News: “Philanthropy wants…” – generational commentary on rebuilding trust.
Vox: “The secret to actually trusting each other” – psychological blueprint for interpersonal trust.
Edelman Trust Barometer insight – commentary on global public attitudes.
Pew Research: Americans’ deepening mistrust - opinion on media fragmentation.
Axios PM – insight on trust polarization across U.S. demographics.

Documentaries & Media Features

Visual storytelling that examines how trust is portrayed, challenged, or earned in real-world events and cultural narratives. Includes streaming docuseries, news specials, and televised investigations.

The Social Dilemma – On how social media erodes trust.
After Truth: Disinformation and the Cost of Fake News – HBO documentary exploring lies and public trust.
All In: The Fight for Democracy – On voting, trust, and democracy.
Trust Me – PBS Frontline investigative look at media credibility.
Fair Play – Documentary on trust in politics and civic life.
The Great Hack – On trust & data manipulation.
Inside Bill’s Brain – Highlights philanthropic trust.
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room – Wasted trust in corporate America.

Stay Informed. Stay Curious.
Trust in the News is updated regularly to reflect the shifting dynamics of public trust. Whether you're looking for the latest research or a compelling personal story, you’ll find it here.

Last Updated: July 18, 2025
Contact: hello@trustbetold.com