A Datafolha poll released on March 11, 2026, shows distrust in the Supreme Federal Court (STF) reaching 43%, the highest since 2012, while in the Judiciary it hit 36%, also a record. The survey, conducted from March 3 to 5 with 2,004 people in 137 municipalities, indicates worsening trust in seven out of eight institutions analyzed since December 2024. The public overwhelmingly rejects questionable ethical conduct by STF justices.
The Datafolha poll, registered with the TSE under number BR-03715/2026, interviewed 2,004 Brazilians aged 16 or older in 137 municipalities, with a two-percentage-point margin of error.
From December 2024 to March 2026, trust worsened in seven of eight institutions. Political parties remain at the top of distrust, with 52% of the population stating no credit in them, stable from 50% previously, within the margin of error.
The STF recorded its highest distrust at 43%, up from 38% in December 2024, while full trust fell from 24% to 16%. In the Judiciary, 36% declare no trust, a record since 2017, up from 28%. Evaluation of the STF justices' work is excellent or good for 23%, down from 32%, and poor or terrible for 39%, up from 35%.
Dissatisfaction is higher among men (46%), highly educated people (45%), and those with income above 10 minimum wages (65% disapproval). Lula (PT) voters show 44% satisfaction with the STF, versus 7% among Jair Bolsonaro (PL) supporters, convicted by the court in 2025 for an attempted coup.
Factors like the Master case, involving ties between justices Dias Toffoli and Alexandre de Moraes and banker Daniel Vorcaro, contribute to the wear. Toffoli stepped down as rapporteur after PF identified purchases by bank-linked funds in his family business. Moraes' wife has a contract worth up to R$ 129 million with Master.
On ethics, 79% disagree with justices judging cases involving relatives' clients; 78% reject them being company shareholders; 76% oppose payments for private lectures. In 2023, the STF annulled a 7-4 rule prohibiting such judging, with votes from Moraes and Toffoli. President Edson Fachin resumed ethics code debates but postponed them until after elections, assigning rapporteurship to Cármen Lúcia.
Other institutions: Presidency of the Republic, 43% distrust (up from 36%); press, 36% (up from 28%); Armed Forces, 27% (record, after 2025 convictions); large companies, 26% (up from 20%); National Congress, 45% no trust, 14% rate excellent or good (down 7pp).
Distrust in the Legislature is greater among the more educated (10% satisfied vs. 20% among less educated) and men (43% poor/terrible).
