Overview
- CNN data analyst Harry Enten reported a fall in Trump’s net approval for 18–24-year-olds from 43 percent in 2024 to 15 percent this year, a 28-point drop.
- Pollsters and analysts link the shift in youth sentiment to strong turnout by younger voters that contributed to Democratic gains in the midterm elections.
- Researchers point to policy and economic grievances—including frustration over healthcare, rising costs, and the Iran war—plus controversy over an immigration crackdown as reasons some young voters soured on the president.
- Trump had narrowed the Democratic youth advantage between 2020 and 2024 and won measurable support from young men after targeted outreach such as podcast appearances, showing rapid short-term swings in this group.
- Experts caution that the finding rests on analyst interpretation and polling methods and say campaigns are likely to change messaging and outreach to try to win back younger voters in coming races.