The growing level of mistrust between the public and government stems from what?

The growing level of mistrust between the public and government is significantly influenced by the prevalence of fake news and alternative facts. This phenomenon has created confusion and skepticism among the public regarding the credibility of official information. When individuals are bombarded with misleading information that conflicts with established facts, it becomes increasingly challenging for them to discern truth from falsehood. This erosion of trust is exacerbated when the government is perceived as either not addressing misinformation effectively or contributing to it, leading to an environment where citizens are skeptical of governmental communication.

The other factors mentioned, such as lack of transparency, inconsistent policies, and historical events, may contribute to overall public distrust but do not directly highlight the contemporary issue of misinformation that characterizes current public discourse. The impact of fake news and alternative facts is particularly pronounced in today's digital age, where information spreads rapidly and can easily influence public perception and understanding of government actions and policies.