Young People Disapproving of Trump’s Job Performance After Six Months — CBS News Analysis

Recent polling indicates a notable decline in Donald Trump’s job approval ratings among young voters since he began his second term as president. This drop is particularly striking given that just after his inauguration, his approval among Americans aged 18-29 soared to 55%. Fast forward to now, and that number has plummeted to a mere 28%. What’s fueling this change for a demographic that seemed to show some promise for him in the 2024 elections?

Changing Perspectives of Young Voters

Initially, many young Americans were willing to give Trump a chance when he assumed office again. After all, although he lost the under-30 demographic to Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, the margin was significantly smaller than in 2020. Interestingly, among young men, their support almost balanced out between the two candidates. This led some analysts to speculate that a shift towards conservatism was underway among Gen Z, especially among younger males. However, reality has quickly altered these early impressions.

Who’s Pulling Away from Trump?

A deeper dive into the demographics reveals that those distancing themselves from Trump are largely the less politically engaged and less partisan young voters. For example, independent voters under 30 had an approval rating for Trump near 50% in February, but this has dramatically decreased to around 20% now. Similarly, those who didn’t vote in 2024 have also turned their backs, albeit to a lesser extent than party identifiers.

Gender dynamics are also crucial here. Young men initially showed more approval than their female counterparts. However, as economic conditions worsened and perceptions of Trump’s policies shifted, both demographics saw a steady decline in approval. The latest numbers show that young men have experienced a more pronounced drop in recent months, suggesting that their initial optimism didn’t last long.

Concerns About Economic Conditions

One of the primary reasons young voters are turning against Trump appears to be dissatisfaction with the current economic conditions. Polls from CBS news indicate that six in ten young people now believe the economy is deteriorating. What’s even more shocking is that an increasing number feel that Trump’s policies are actually making their financial situations worse. This is a stark contrast to the sentiment they held during the early days of his administration, where they were more likely to expect positive outcomes from his policies.

Here are some key points highlighting their concerns:

• Economic Dissatisfaction: Young voters perceive the economy as worsening, with a majority feeling negatively about job prospects compared to older demographics.
• Policy Reversals: There’s a growing belief that Trump is not fulfilling the promises he made during the 2024 campaign, which has flipped from earlier support where many believed he was aligned with his commitments.
• Focus on Controversial Issues: Young voters feel that Trump is prioritizing issues like tariffs and deportations over pressing economic concerns, such as inflation and job creation. Seventy-two percent think the administration is too focused on tariffs, while 64% believe that deportations are a misallocation of resources.

A Shift in Expectations

Initially, young people were optimistic about Trump’s potential to turn around the economy, leading to a “honeymoon” period shortly after his inauguration. However, the realities of economic performance have led to diminishing confidence. A major shift occurred when confidence broke down over time, leading to an approval rating that now trails behind Joe Biden’s when he left office.

Polling results demonstrate that majorities now feel the administration’s policies are not meeting their needs. This discontent is compounded by a variety of factors, from rising costs of living to inadequate job opportunities in the current labor market. The gap between expectations and reality has eroded the support Trump initially enjoyed.

What Lies Ahead for Republicans?

Looking towards the future, the evolving sentiments of young voters could have significant implications for the Republican Party in upcoming elections. Should Trump’s approval ratings continue to decline, they could negatively impact GOP candidates, particularly in competitive districts. Historically, younger voters have displayed an increasing ability to rally and vote in midterm elections. Factors such as the 2018 and 2022 elections, which saw record turnout among young demographics, underline their potential influence.

Assessing these shifts and their causes may not only guide future electoral strategies for Republicans but could also signal broader movements among young American voters. With their opinions at stake, understanding what’s behind their decisions will be key in fostering engagements that resonate with this crucial demographic.

As Trump faces mounting dissatisfaction among younger voters, it’s crucial to pay attention to emerging trends and concerns. Whether it’s economically, politically, or socially, the dialogue surrounding what young Americans appreciate or contest will shape strategies that could determine political futures.

For more information on the evolving landscape of public opinion and how it affects elections, check out this comprehensive guide from NPR.