Recent polling data indicates that President Donald Trump is experiencing a sharp downturn in support from Generation Z voters. A YouGov/Yahoo survey reported a substantial fall in net approval, from -23 in May to -41 in June, revealing that only 27 percent of Gen Z voters approve of his job performance. Another poll by Quantus shows a decline in approval from 46 percent in June to 35 percent in early July. Adding to the unfavorable trend, an ActiVote poll indicates that 62 percent of Gen Z voters disapprove of Trump’s presidency.
This reversal in sentiment among young voters comes after President Trump had made considerable inroads with this demographic in the 2024 presidential election, losing the 18–29 age group to Kamala Harris by a mere four points. Political analysts speculate that the sinking approval is primarily due to dissatisfaction with the President's management of critical issues such as the economy, inflation, and immigration policies.
Focusing on the economic front, the YouGov/Economist polling data shows a drop in approval from 32 percent in May to 23 percent in June among Gen Z voters, as inflation concerns continue to mount. The Daily Mail has highlighted these figures in its recent coverage.
President Trump's earlier success with younger voters was largely attributed to targeted outreach efforts. Barron Trump, the President's son, played a key role as a generational liaison during the 2024 campaign. He facilitated media appearances for his father on platforms popular among younger audiences, such as a podcast by comedian Theo Von and a livestream interview with Kick streamer Adin Ross, amassing 100 million total views. In collaboration with conservative activist Bo Loudon, Barron Trump also encouraged his father to engage with influential online personalities like YouTuber Jake Paul and PBD Podcast host Patrick Bet-David.
Despite these efforts and the initial closing of the gap with younger voters, the recent polls suggest that this momentum is waning. However, it's worth noting that national polling data indicates that President Trump's overall approval rating remains stable at 47 percent. This is in spite of recent U.S. military action in the Middle East, including airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites during the brief "12 Day War." The President's disapproval rating has also stayed consistent at 53 percent.
Public opinion about the President's policies is divided, particularly regarding the "Big Beautiful Bill," which has passed Congress and awaits Trump's signature. The legislative package includes various provisions such as the establishment of $1,000 "Trump Accounts" for newborns, tax eliminations on tips and overtime, funding for the border wall, and new work requirements for welfare programs, among others. While Trump and Republican leaders celebrate it as a historic tax cut, a Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll found only 28 percent of the public in support of the bill, with 36 percent opposing it.
Trump's decline in approval among Generation Z voters is a concerning trend for his administration, given the importance of this demographic in shaping future electoral outcomes. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the President's team may need to reassess their strategies to reconnect with younger voters and address the issues that matter most to them.
