Donald Trump’s net approval rating among Generation Z plunged from –23 in May to –41 in June, delivering a startling blow to Republican hopes for youth backing in 2026.
At a Glance
- Approval among 18–29-year-olds fell 18 points in one month.
- Net favorability now stands at –41 among Gen Z.
- Economic anxiety is a key driver of disillusionment.
- Younger Gen Z showed soft support in 2024 but now are receding.
- Gender gap persists: men remain more supportive than women.
Rapid Collapse in Youth Approval
New data from Newsweek reveals a steep 18-point drop in Trump’s net favorability among Gen Z—moving from –23 to –41 in June. The speed and magnitude of this shift alarmed GOP strategists who had anticipated solidifying young-voter gains after 2024. Analysts link the collapse to widespread economic worries—student debt, housing precarity, and inflation continuing to bite young Americans.
Watch a report: New Poll Reveals Massive Gen Z Gender Divide on Trump
Gender Gap Intensifies and Consequences Loom
While overall disapproval among Gen Z is rising, young men still favor Trump more than young women. A New York Post analysis highlighted that 45% of Gen Z men expressed support for Trump, compared to just 24% of women.
This gender divide deepens the GOP’s challenge. As The Washington Post notes, even where youth support exists, it is highly fragmented and inconsistent. Combined with declining trust in government and institutions, the split may signal long-term political reorientation.
What This Could Mean for 2026
With Gen Z registering net –41 approval, Democrats are targeting youth-heavy districts in key states like Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. However, as Vox explains, Gen Z is not monolithic—its youngest members have flirted with conservative messages, while older Gen Z voters skew left.
Republican insiders are warning that MAGA’s appeal may be eroding under the weight of real-world economic conditions. Even if turnout remains uncertain, Gen Z’s rejection of Trump’s message has already redefined the stakes heading into 2026.
Trump’s youth backlash is no longer theoretical—it’s unfolding in real time, reshaping the political calculus for both parties.
