US Gender Wage Gap Widens

A new poll by the Associated Press and University of Chicago reveals a significant disparity in how men and women in the United States perceive the gender wage gap. Most working women believe they are disadvantaged in earning competitive wages, with about 3 in 10 reporting personal experience with wage discrimination. In contrast, employed men are more divided, with about half believing both genders have equal opportunities. The United States — United States Census Bureau reports that men's earnings are rising faster than women's, widening the gender wage gap for the second consecutive year. This has led to a later Equal Pay Day in 2026 compared to 2025. The country is divided on how to address this issue, with United States — Democratic Party (United States)-led states adopting pay transparency laws. Conversely, the Donald Trump administration has been criticized for weakening agencies like the United States — United States Department of Labor and the United States — Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and for limiting legal tools such as 'disparate impact liability' used to investigate unfair pay practices. The United States — United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has also shifted its focus to anti-DEI investigations. Personal accounts, such as Jessica M. Thompson's experience of earning less than a male colleague, highlight the perceived bias. The poll also indicates that employed women are more economically stressed about pay, groceries, and housing costs compared to men.