For First Time, Most Americans Believe Federal Government Threatens Personal FreedomsFor First Time, Most Americans Believe Federal Government Threatens Personal Freedoms Distrust of the U.S. government has reached an all-time high among Americans, a majority of whom now say Washington represents a threat to their personal freedoms. According to a new poll by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, 53% of respondents said the federal government threatens their own personal rights and freedoms. Those disagreeing numbered 43%.