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Harvard Youth Poll Finds 39% of Gen Z Say Political Violence Can Be Justified

Fielded after recent high-profile attacks, the first-time question points to economic strain rather than party identity as the strongest predictor.

Overview

  • A 56% majority said violence is never acceptable in the poll’s scenarios, while 5% declined to answer.
  • Specific triggers cited included government violations of rights (28%), fraudulent election outcomes (12%), others encouraging violence or promoting extremist beliefs (11% each), and failed peaceful protests (10%).
  • The survey questioned 2,040 adults ages 18 to 29 from Nov. 3–7, 2025, with a margin of error of ±2.94 points.
  • Just 6% called the U.S. a healthy democracy, versus 45% saying it is in trouble and 19% calling it failed.
  • Job performance ratings were low for national leaders, with 29% approving of the president and roughly a quarter approving of Democrats and Republicans in Congress.