Americans wary of business political stances, Gallup survey reveals

WASHINGTON D.C., UNITED STATES — Americans have shown a decreasing appetite for businesses taking public stances on current events.

The third iteration of the Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Report reveals that only 38% of U.S. adults believe businesses should speak out on public issues, marking a 10% point decline since 2022.

Declining support for business involvement in public issues

The survey, which sampled 5,835 U.S. adults from April 29 to May 6, 2024, indicates a widespread shift in attitudes across various demographic groups. 

Democrats, who were previously most receptive to business involvement in current events, have seen a dramatic 22% point decrease in support over the past two years. 

Similarly, Asian and Black adults have become 27% and 18% points less likely, respectively, to favor business commentary on public issues.

Only three groups now express majority support for businesses taking public stances:

• LGBTQ+ adults (55%)
• Black adults (54%)
• Democrats (53%)

Republicans remain the least supportive, with only 22% favoring business involvement in public discourse.

Business views on climate, mental health, and DEI still sought

While general interest in corporate political stances has waned, Americans still want to hear from businesses on specific issues. 

Topics like climate change (54%), mental health (53%), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (53%) each receive slight majority support.

However, Americans are less interested in hearing from businesses on potentially contentious election issues such as gun laws (32%), immigration policy (31%), and abortion (20%).

Narrow majorities of U.S. adults want to hear from businesses on climate change (54%), mental health (53%), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (53%).

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— Gallup (@Gallup) August 16, 2024

The risks of political endorsements for businesses

The survey highlights the potential risks businesses face when endorsing political candidates. 

More than 60% of both Democrats and Republicans report they would be less likely to purchase from a company that endorsed a candidate from the opposing party. 

Independents are particularly wary, being about three times more likely to avoid purchases from companies endorsing candidates from either party.

As the 2024 election cycle heats up, it is clear that Americans are increasingly wary of businesses taking sides in political debates. 

While some topics like climate change and DEI still garner attention, the broader trend suggests that many consumers prefer companies to remain silent on contentious political issues.