In a climate of uncertainty and disillusionment, young Americans are expressing deep-seated pessimism about the nation's political landscape and economic future, a recent national survey reveals.
The Harvard Youth poll, now in its 51st edition, suggests that the country's youth, aged between 18 and 29, are largely dissatisfied with the performance of both President Donald Trump and the Congress, irrespective of party lines.
According to Fox News, the poll, conducted by the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School, reveals a significant drop in Trump's approval rating, which now stands at 29%, a two-point decrease from the previous survey. The President's handling of the economy has garnered an approval rating of a mere 26%.
However, the Congress doesn't fare much better, with approval ratings for Democrats and Republicans standing at 27% and 26% respectively.
The poll's findings underscore a persistent skepticism among young Americans towards national leadership. "Young Americans hold persistently low views of national leadership, reflecting a belief that political leaders are not responsive to the economic and technological pressures they face. Despite this widespread skepticism," the poll's release highlights.
Interestingly, the survey also reveals a significant internal dissatisfaction within the Democratic Party. Almost half of the younger Democrats surveyed used negative terms to describe their own party, while only a quarter of younger Republicans did the same for the GOP. Positive sentiments were more prevalent among Republicans, with 46% expressing a favorable view of their party, compared to only 35% of Democrats.
However, the poll also signals a potential shift in the political landscape. It indicates a significant advantage for Democrats in the 2026 battle for Congress, with 46% of registered voters preferring Democratic control of Congress, compared to 29% favoring the GOP. "Democrats maintain an advantage heading into 2026 not because of heightened enthusiasm, but because many young voters view the alternative as less aligned with their priorities," the survey spotlighted.
The survey paints a bleak picture of the nation's direction, with only 13% of respondents believing the country is on the right track. Economic insecurity is a significant concern, with 43% stating they are struggling or barely managing financially. Furthermore, only three in ten believe they will be better off financially than their parents. The advent of AI is seen as a threat rather than an opportunity, with young Americans fearing job losses by a three-to-one margin.
"Young Americans are sending a clear message: the systems and institutions meant to support them no longer feel stable, fair, or responsive to this generation," said John Della Volpe, Director of Polling at the Institute of Politics. "Their trust in democracy, the economy, and even each other is fraying not because they are disengaged, but because they feel unheard and unprotected in a moment of profound uncertainty."
The survey, conducted between November 3 and 7, involved 2,040 U.S. residents aged 1829. The poll, carried out in collaboration with Ipsos Public Affairs, has an overall sampling error of plus or minus 2.94 percentage points.
The findings underscore the need for political leaders to engage more effectively with the concerns and aspirations of the younger generation, particularly in the areas of economic stability and technological advancement.
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