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Samyarup Chowdhury
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President Donald Trump has registered a notable rebound in approval among Gen Z voters. BY: MEGA
President Donald Trump has registered a notable rebound in approval among Gen Z voters, according to a new YouGov/Economist poll. While his standing with the youngest voters remains negative, Knewz.com has learned that the survey shows improved perceptions on the economy and leadership compared to July.
Poll shows significant shift in Trumpโs approval rating among Gen Z
The YouGov/Economist poll conducted in early August found Trumpโs net approval rating among Gen Z at -28. BY: Unsplash
The YouGov/Economist poll conducted in early August found Trumpโs net approval rating among Gen Z at -28, with 33% approving and 61% disapproving. This marks a 10-point improvement from July, when his net approval stood at -38. In January, however, Trumpโs standing was stronger at +5. Lucas Walsh, a youth political behavior expert at Monash University, said in a statement that the movement reflects broader trends among young voters. โChoice-based politics emerges partly because young people feel underrepresented by the major parties,โ he said, adding that โpolling needs to be understood in light of wider voter ambivalence.โ Surveys back that view, as a 2025 GenForward report found that a majority of young Americans believe neither Democrats nor Republicans represent them effectively. A 2025 AP-NORC poll showed about one-third of adults under 30 identify as independents.
Economy drives shifts in opinion
The biggest movement in Trumpโs approval came on economic issues. By: Aaron Schwartz โ Pool via CNP / MEGA
The biggest movement in Trumpโs approval came on economic issues. His rating on handling the economy rose from 30% in July to 36% in August, while disapproval fell 10 points to 54%. On inflation, approval increased from 23% to 31%, with disapproval declining from 72% to 60%. According to reports, Gen Zโs economic outlook also improved modestly. In July, 12% said the economy was improving, but by August, that number had risen to 18%. Those saying conditions were worsening fell from 58% to 51%. However, it is worth noting that Trumpโs economic standing remains well below January levels, when his net approval among Gen Z on the issue was +18. The economy itself remained uneven. Reports mentioned that inflation rose 2.7% year-on-year in June, the highest since February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the same time, job growth slowed sharply in July, with 73,000 new positions added.
Perception of Trumpโs character has shifted as well
In August, 22% of Gen Z respondents described President Trump as honest. BY: MEGA
In August, 22% of Gen Z respondents described President Trump as honest, up slightly from 20% in July, while the share calling him dishonest fell from 67% to 57%. However, Trumpโs overall honesty rating has slipped to its lowest point since returning to the White House. Nationally, just 31% of Americans consider him trustworthy, a drop partly linked to criticism over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Public discontent is clear among young voters. Notably, only 13% of Gen Z respondents approve of Trumpโs handling of the Epstein matter, while 69% disapprove. Nearly half, 44%, believe he knew โa lotโ about Epsteinโs crimes before investigations began. Trump has denied having any knowledge or involvement.
How Trumpโs gains with Gen Z could matter
In 2024, voters aged 18 to 29 supported then-Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump by just four points. (MEGA)
In 2024, voters aged 18 to 29 supported then-Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump by just four points, according to AP VoteCast. In 2020, Joe Biden won the same group by 25 points. However, it is worth noting that Trumpโs firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer after Julyโs weak jobs report drew limited support among young people. Just 13% backed the move, while half were unsure. His nominee to lead the BLS has floated suspending monthly jobs reports, with Augustโs data due in early September. With Democrats facing their lowest favorability in decades, and Trump under pressure over jobs and investigations, the trajectory of Gen Z opinion may play a decisive role in shaping the months ahead.
The post Poll shows Trumpโs approval ratings shift with Gen Z appeared first on Knewz.
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