Could the younger generation be shifting right? Generation Z, often portrayed as liberal idealists, appears to be breaking with conventional wisdom as polling reveals a surprising conservative surge among today’s youth. They love Trump!
At a glance:
• Gen Z is being called “the most conservative generation in decades” according to recent analyses
• Trump’s approval rating among 18-29 year-olds rose to 52.7% in February, with a significant increase in male support
• Young men feel increasingly alienated by modern feminism and perceive Democrats as ignoring their concerns
• AP VoteCast analysis shows Trump won 47% of the 18-29 demographic in 2024, up from 36% in 2020
• The effects of leftist policies, pandemic restrictions, and educational indoctrination are cited as driving factors
Growing Conservative Trend Among Gen Z Voters
A major and unexpected political shift is underway among America’s youngest voters, leaving many Democratic strategists shocked and worried about the future. Recent polling data indicates Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, are embracing conservative values at rates not seen in decades. And it turns out they really love Trump, too.
Democratic pollster David Shor expressed his disbelief at this emerging trend, saying, “This is the thing I am the most shocked by in the last four years—that young people have gone from being the most progressive generation since the Baby Boomers to becoming potentially the most conservative generation that we’ve experienced maybe in 50 to 60 years.”
Did they think young people would be fooled by progressive extremism forever?
AtlasIntel polling reveals Trump’s approval rating among 18–29-year-olds climbed to 52.7% in February, demonstrating his growing appeal with younger Americans. The numbers show a particularly strong connection with young men, creating a 23-percentage-point gender gap among voters under 30.
Gen Z’s Formative Years Under Liberal Policies
Gen Z’s political views have been profoundly shaped by witnessing the consequences of liberal governance during their formative years, and that likely explains what’s going on here. Having grown up during the Obama and Biden administrations, they’ve experienced firsthand the effects of leftist policies on the economy, border security, and American society.
The COVID-19 pandemic represented a particularly influential period for many in Gen Z. School closures, isolation, significant learning losses, and declining public school attendance all contributed to skepticism about government overreach and institutional authority.
Many young Americans have also become disillusioned with media narratives. Only 26% of 18-29-year-olds trust mass media, reflecting widespread skepticism among Gen Z about mainstream information sources.
Democratic strategist Ezra Klein acknowledged this new reality recently, stating, “Democrats are getting destroyed now among young voters… They thought that this was a last gasp of something and that if Donald Trump couldn’t run up his numbers among seniors and you had Millennials and Gen Z really coming into voting power, that would be the end of this Republican Party. That is just completely false.”
The conservative momentum among Gen Z appears increasingly solid heading into future election cycles. AP VoteCast analysis confirmed Trump won 47% of the 18-29 demographic in 2024, jumping significantly from 36% in 2020, signaling a potentially permanent realignment that could reshape American politics for decades to come.
