Trump faces disapproval surge as millennials turn away

In the United States, Donald Trump's approval rating among millennials has experienced a significant decline, demonstrating a marked shift in this important voting demographic. Recent polling data collected by The Economist/YouGov reflects a troubling trend, revealing that between September 5 and September 8, Trump's net approval rating among millennials was -16 percentage points, with 40 percent approving and 56 percent disapproving of his performance. This figure deteriorated even further in subsequent polling conducted between September 19 and September 22, where his net approval rating fell by 14 percentage points to -30, with only 32 percent of millennials indicating approval and 62 percent disapproving of him. This trend contrasts sharply with earlier data from June, when his net approval rating among this age group was at -13 percentage points, indicating an ongoing slide in public perception among younger voters. The implications of these declining approval ratings are significant given that millennials are now the largest age demographic in the electorate, having surpassed baby boomers, according to the Pew Research Center. As turnout patterns evolve, millennials are becoming an increasingly critical demographic for political candidates seeking success in upcoming elections, including the forthcoming midterm elections scheduled for November 2026. Experts suggest that understanding and addressing the concerns of this cohort will be pivotal, as many millennials are grappling with financial pressures, such as rising housing costs and economic uncertainties, factors that heavily influence their opinions on the current administration. While Trump's approval rating continues to decline among millennials, polling trends suggest broader public discontent with his overall performance. An analysis by statistician Nate Silver indicated that during the same period, Trump's overall disapproval rating rose from 51 percent to 53 percent, with is approval rating dropping by two points to 45 percent. The comparative snapshot of Trump's performance indicates mounting dissatisfaction among various demographic segments, with over 43 percent of Americans describing their disapproval as strong. This signifies a potential shift in political alignment, as many younger voters, particularly independents and first-time voters, remain disillusioned with the president's economic promises and recent policy implementations. This evolving landscape highlights Trump's need to reassess his appeal to younger voters, who are increasingly crucial as they navigate challenges shaped by both the Great Recession and the ongoing economic fallout from the pandemic. Analysts note that for many in this demographic, issues concerning housing stability, economic opportunity, and access to essential services like healthcare are driving factors eroding support for the current administration. With promising prospects of new policies and strategic initiatives, how Trump navigates this decline in approval ratings and public trust could determine his party's performance in the upcoming midterms.