Support among 18- to 29-year-olds fell from 48% in January 2025 to 25-33% in recent months, while 78% disapprove of his handling of inflation.
The decline is tied to higher prices, weak job prospects, rising healthcare and tuition costs, and backlash over his Iran war, tariffs and other actions seen as chaotic or authoritarian.
Trump's net approval among young people has dropped from +5 at inauguration to between -27 and -47, a shift that could aid Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections.
Why do over 70% of young Americans now believe they won't be better off financially than their parents?
As living costs rise and youth job growth slows, are traditional paths to prosperity disappearing for a generation?
With AI poised to automate entry-level roles, how can society prevent a 'training deficit' for the future workforce?
Sharp 21-Point Net Approval Drop Among 18-34 Year Olds Signals Crisis for Trump in 2026
Overview
President Trump's approval among young voters aged 18-34 sharply declined from 30% to 20% between January and March 2026, driven by a longer trend of weakening support since early 2025. This collapse accelerated due to the Iran conflict, which caused a surge in gas prices and inflation, worsening economic hardships like housing costs and stagnant wages. Young voters also grew fearful of a military draft and opposed the administration's large defense budget and cuts to domestic programs. These economic and moral concerns deepened divisions within the Republican Party's youth base, leading to a decline in MAGA identification and strong approval. The resulting youth disillusionment is expected to boost turnout favoring Democrats in the 2026 midterms, while Republicans attempt to regain support through economic populism amid ongoing challenges.