Young Trump Voters Give Second Term 1-of-5 Ratings as Gen-Z Approval Hits -45
Updated
Updated · The Daily Beast · Jul 17
Young Trump Voters Give Second Term 1-of-5 Ratings as Gen-Z Approval Hits -45
1 articles · Updated · The Daily Beast · Jul 17
Summary
Several young voters who backed Donald Trump in 2024 told a New York Times focus group his second term deserves just 1 or 2 out of 5, citing disappointment with the economy, foreign policy and conduct.
Zachary, 25, said he saves only $120 per paycheck and sees corruption and weak transparency; Caleb, 24, said workers putting in 60-plus hours still cannot dent living costs.
Even less hostile participants were critical: a Virginia medical scribe who rated Trump 2 of 5 said "nothing seems affordable," while a Tennessee adviser who gave 3 of 5 said policy favors wealthier Americans.
The backlash matters because roughly half of young voters backed Trump in 2024, up from 37% in 2020 and 36% in 2016, yet The Economist last month put his Gen-Z approval at -45.
The White House rejected the criticism, saying Trump is delivering the largest middle-class tax cuts in history, better housing affordability, a secure border and lower costs.