A Generation’s Discontent: Gen Z’s Verdict on Trump Six Months Into His Second Term

Six months into his unprecedented second term, former President Donald J. Trump is once again at the center of a fierce national conversation—not just in Washington but in the dorm rooms, TikTok feeds, and group chats of America’s youngest voting generation: Gen Z.

A recent poll released by the nonpartisan Institute for Youth Civic Engagement (IYCE) has revealed a striking decline in Trump’s approval ratings among Gen Z voters, raising questions about the long-term implications for his political coalition and the future of the Republican Party.

The Numbers: A Generation Stands Apart

The IYCE poll, conducted between June 20–30 and surveying over 2,500 Gen Z Americans aged 18–28, showed that only 27% of Gen Z respondents approved of Trump’s performance as president, while 62% disapproved, and 11% remained unsure. That gives Trump a staggering net approval of –35% among a generation that is rapidly becoming a dominant force in U.S. politics.

In contrast, Trump’s approval among Baby Boomers (ages 60–78) remains relatively strong at 54% approval. Millennials (ages 29–43) are more divided, with 42% approving and 50% disapproving. But it’s Gen Z that stands out for its intense disapproval—and its political energy.

What’s Driving Gen Z’s Disapproval?

1. Climate and Environmental Concerns

One of the most common grievances cited by Gen Z respondents was Trump’s rollback of environmental protections and his controversial move in February 2025 to withdraw the U.S. from the Global Climate Accord—a new international effort brokered in early 2024 to replace the Paris Agreement.

“Trump’s policies make it feel like our future is being sold off for short-term profits,” said Maya Rodriguez, a 21-year-old college student in Oregon. “He’s ignoring science, and we’re the ones who will deal with the consequences.”

2. Reproductive Rights

Following the Supreme Court’s continued erosion of federal protections for abortion access, Trump’s support for a proposed federal 12-week abortion ban in March of this year alienated many young voters—especially women.

“I’m terrified,” said Jada Bell, 24, from Atlanta. “It feels like we’re moving backward. Every woman I know is talking about this—not just politically, but personally.”

According to the IYCE poll, 78% of Gen Z women disapprove of Trump, making them one of the most oppositional demographics to his presidency.

3. Digital Culture Wars

Trump has leaned heavily into culture war rhetoric since returning to office, often using his Truth Social platform and public rallies to criticize what he calls “woke ideology” in schools, media, and corporations. But this approach appears to be backfiring with the very generation most immersed in digital culture.

“I’m not ‘woke,’ I’m just awake,” joked Devon Kim, 19, from Los Angeles. “He acts like TikTok is the biggest threat to America, but we’re worried about debt, housing, and the climate. He’s not even speaking our language.”

Support Among Young Conservatives?

While the overall numbers reflect strong disapproval, it would be inaccurate to portray Gen Z as monolithic. Trump still enjoys a dedicated base among young conservatives, particularly young men.

Jake Weston, 25, a Republican activist from Ohio, sees Trump as a fighter. “He’s the only one willing to say what needs to be said. People our age are tired of being told we’re bad just because we don’t agree with the left.”

Among Gen Z men, Trump’s approval rating rises to 38%, though still below water. Interestingly, some support also comes from anti-establishment independents who view Trump as a disruptor to the political elite.

The Bigger Picture: Mobilization Matters

One of the most significant takeaways from the IYCE poll isn’t just how Gen Z feels—it’s how they act. The survey found that 74% of Gen Z respondents said they are “certain” or “very likely” to vote in the 2026 midterms, an unusually high figure for a non-presidential year.

This suggests that Gen Z’s disapproval may carry more weight than previous generations’ discontent during their early voting years. The data mirrors recent grassroots movements that have shown Gen Z leading the charge in protests over climate, racial justice, and reproductive rights.

Moreover, Gen Z is increasingly plugged into civic tech, organizing via social media, and shaping narratives online. This digital fluency gives their voices disproportionate reach.

A Warning for 2028?

For Trump and the Republican Party, these numbers offer both a short-term challenge and a long-term threat. While the GOP continues to perform well with older voters and rural communities, the party’s struggle to connect with younger voters could create a demographic time bomb.

“Trump may win news cycles and energize his base,” says Dr. Leila Harmon, a political analyst at Georgetown University, “but losing Gen Z by this margin makes it very difficult to win the future.”

Indeed, unless the Republican Party can bridge this generational divide, the results could be severe—not only in 2028 but for decades beyond.

Final Thoughts

Trump’s second presidency has reignited partisan passions and further polarized the American political landscape. But amid the shouting matches on cable news and social media, one voice is becoming impossible to ignore: that of Gen Z.

Their message, at least for now, is loud and clear—they’re not buying what Trump is selling.

And if their turnout continues to rise, politicians of every stripe may have to start listening more closely.