Young Americans’ Approval of Trump Plummets Since Inauguration

Following his second inauguration, Donald Trump has seen a significant drop in job approval ratings among younger voters, specifically those aged 18-29. Initially, young voters had shown more support for Trump compared to the previous election, with a marked increase in backing among young men. However, about six months after taking office, approval ratings have sharply decreased, plummeting from 55% to 28%. This rapid decline is notably steeper than what has been observed in older age groups, indicating a shift in sentiment that many did not foresee.

The demographic shift mainly affects young, politically disengaged individuals, especially independents. While about half of independents under 30 approved of Trump early in his term, only one in five currently supports him. Voting demographics reveal that while traditionally aligned party members also show some declines in approval, the independent and non-voting younger cohorts have experienced a more drastic fall. In terms of gender differences, both young men and women have decreased their approval ratings, but young men began their decline slightly later than young women, coinciding with negative economic trends. The gap between their opinions has narrowed as young men have also expressed dissatisfaction.

60% now think the economy is deteriorating, and a substantial number feel that Trump's policies are worsening their financial situations. This marks a stark contrast to the optimism many held when he first assumed office.

The reversal in attitudes among young voters suggests that their earlier support might have been largely influenced by hope rather than a consistent ideological alignment. As Trump’s job approval ratings among the 18-29 age range have dipped below those of Joe Biden at the end of his presidency, the prospects for Republican candidates in upcoming elections may hinge on these young voters and Trump's ability to improve his public perception.

Historically, young voters have shown fluctuating turnout rates, particularly in midterm elections, where they demonstrated significant mobilization in recent years. Given their voting power, their current disenchantment could critically impact the GOP's performance if Trump does not enhance his approval ratings among them by 2026. To analyze these trends accurately, poll data has been aggregated and examined statistically, allowing more nuanced insights into how both young men and women perceive Trump, shedding light on the evolving political landscape among younger generations.