A recent YouGov poll reveals that President-elect Donald Trump has gained a significant increase in popularity among young Americans.
According to a recent survey conducted from November 17 to 19, it was found that there has been a significant increase in the favorability of Donald Trump among Americans aged 18 to 29. The survey revealed that 57 percent of individuals in this age group now hold a favorable view of Trump, representing a net favorability increase of 19 points since the YouGov poll conducted on November 9 and 12.
Among women and older voters, his favorability remains lower, but there has been a notable shift in his gains among the 18-29 group. This age group accounted for 16 percent of the 2024 electorate, according to The Economist/YouGov poll, which surveyed 1,590 U.S. adults with a margin of error of ±2.5 percent.
“Young people played a crucial role in President Trump’s victory. Let’s be clear, we are witnessing a significant and unprecedented shift in generational alignment,” remarked Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.
Kirk, along with Barron, Trump’s youngest son, played a crucial role in rallying support for Trump among young voters. They focused on advocating for generational change and targeting a predominantly male, younger audience.
Trump’s advantage with young voters can be attributed to his campaign’s targeted approach in engaging with younger audiences through unconventional media channels. Trump’s outreach efforts revolved around podcasts and alternative platforms, which tackled crucial topics including economic freedom, government accountability, and cultural identity.
During the presidential campaign, Trump made several guest appearances on various podcasts and streaming shows. He was featured on Lex Fridman’s podcast, Theo Von’s show, Adin Ross’ and Logan Paul’s streams, Tim Pool’s podcast, and the Nelk Boys’ YouTube channel. Additionally, he engaged in a podcast-style interview with Elon Musk on X, prior to his highly anticipated three-hour appearance on the nation’s most popular podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience.
The campaign’s efforts struck a chord with young men, who were a crucial target demographic. Polling data uncovered a notable gender disparity, with 58 percent of men expressing a positive opinion of Trump compared to 45 percent of women.
Among all adults, Trump was viewed favorably by 51 percent, while 46 percent held an unfavorable view of him, resulting in a net favorability rating of +5 points. The age group that showed the strongest support for Trump were voters aged 18-29, with a net favorability rating of +19 points.
In comparison, the 30-44 and 45-64 age groups had a net favorability rating of +3 points. However, voters aged 65 and older gave Trump a net rating of -3 points, highlighting a clear generational divide.
Trump’s Cabinet nominations have received positive public perception, which has contributed to his numbers. For instance, Marco Rubio, who is nominated for secretary of state, has a net approval rating of +19 points, with an overall approval rating of 46 percent.
Furthermore, Tulsi Gabbard, the nominee for director of national intelligence, has seen an increase in approval rating by 9 points, reaching 42 percent. Likewise, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is nominated for secretary of Health and Human Services, has experienced a 9-point increase in approval rating, now standing at 41 percent.
Vice President-elect JD Vance’s approval rating has experienced a positive boost, surging to a net rating of +2 percent. With 43 percent approval, this marks his highest approval rating to date and the first time it has surpassed his unfavorability.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are currently facing challenges as their approval ratings decline after their electoral defeat. The public’s dissatisfaction is evident, as Biden’s job approval has fallen to 37 percent, while 57 percent disapprove.
Similarly, Harris has witnessed a decline in her favorability, with 46 percent of people viewing her favorably and 53 percent unfavorably, resulting in a net rating of -7 points.
