President Donald Trump’s approval rating among Generation Z is climbing, according to a new poll released Tuesday by The Economist and YouGov.
Why It Matters
Trump’s standing with Generation Z—generally defined as Americans born between 1997 and 2012—shows signs of improvement in the latest survey.
Any sustained movement among younger voters could matter ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, when Gen Z turnout and preferences may influence close races and the balance of power in Congress. The shift follows indications from the 2024 presidential election that Democratic support among younger voters weakened compared with prior cycles. If the trend continues, it could force both parties to adjust their messaging and campaign strategies.
What To Know
In the poll, Trump’s approval rating among adults ages 18 to 29 is 37 percent. The survey was conducted from December 12 to December 15 among 1,632 respondents, with a margin of error of 3.2 percent. In a survey conducted by the same pollster last week, Trump’s approval with the same age group was 31 percent.
His highest approval rating with Gen Z in the pollster’s tracking was 52 percent, recorded in a survey conducted from February 16 to February 18.
Even with the recent uptick, Trump’s support among Gen Z remains well below its earlier peak. Overall sentiment in this group still trends negative and may be especially sensitive to economic conditions and major political developments. Concerns among younger Americans frequently include affordability, inflation, and job prospects.
Many recent national polls also show Trump facing broader disapproval over his handling of the economy.
What People Are Saying
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on X on in October: “Trump returns to TikTok, tells Gen Z they ‘owe me big’ for saving it.”
Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island on X on Wednesday: “Trump’s new low on the economy (36% approval) will get worse as his corrupt attack on clean energy keeps raising families’ electric bills and home insurance costs. And wait til people understand this is ON PURPOSE to pay back his Big Oil political donors.”
Trump on Truth Social earlier this month: “I inherited a MESS from the Biden Administration — The Worst Inflation in History, and the Highest Prices our Country has ever seen. In other words, Affordability, just 13 months ago, was a DISASTER for the American People, but now, it’s totally different! Prices are coming down FAST, Energy, Oil and Gasoline, are hitting five year lows, and the Stock Market today just hit an All Time High. Tariffs are bringing in Hundreds of Billions of Dollars, and we are respected as a Nation again. When will I get credit for having created, with No Inflation, perhaps the Greatest Economy in the History of our Country? When will people understand what is happening? When will Polls reflect the Greatness of America at this point in time, and how bad it was just one year ago?”
What Happens Next
As Trump’s administration moves forward, his approval among different age groups—including Gen Z—is likely to rise and fall in response to policy choices, economic changes, and political flashpoints. With 2026 approaching, both parties will be watching whether younger voters’ views stabilize, and whether turnout matches the attention Gen Z is drawing in early polling.
