Political scandals significantly diminish public trust in institutions, eroding the credibility of government officials and organizations. When scandals emerge, they typically reveal issues like corruption, abuse of power, or mismanagement, leading to public disillusionment with the political process. Citizens may become skeptical of not only the implicated individuals but also the entire political system, feeling that their interests are not represented. This loss of faith can result in decreased voter participation and increased civic disengagement, ultimately undermining the stability and effectiveness of democratic institutions.