Donald Trump is anticipated to boost his backing among younger voters in 2024, with 47% of those under 30 planning to support him.
Yet, recent surveys indicate that his approval among Gen Z has plummeted by 42 points since his previous term.
This data highlights the uncertain political landscape for Republicans among younger generations.
The Post engaged six young conservatives to discuss their beliefs, thoughts on the president, and their priorities. (Spoiler alert: economics takes precedence over fanfare for figures like Nick Fuentes.)
Here’s what they had to say.
Azlan Butt: “Republicans face a leadership vacuum without Trump”
The 18-year-old high school senior from Dallas appreciates Trump’s support for protesters in Iran, which resonates with his family ties there.
“This underscores the strengths of American foreign policy,” Butt expressed. He feels Trump has a solid grip on economic matters but worries about rollback on environmental safeguards, specifically referencing the Paris Agreement.
“We need those regulations to combat climate change, which will shape my future and that of many others,” he remarked.
He is eager to vote for the first time in 2028, though he worries that the GOP will be in disarray by then. “Without Trump, the Republican Party seems to lack direction,” he added.
Grace Moore: “Young people can’t even imagine owning a home.”
At 28, Moore, who is in administration, feels strongly about affordability.
Having recently returned to Houston after years in Los Angeles, she now lives with her parents.
“My parents bought their home in their early 40s. Young people today? Owning a house feels out of reach,” she explained. Safety is also a significant concern for her, highlighting her discomfort with the “violent protests” and homeless issues she encountered in Los Angeles.
“I felt unsafe going out alone at night,” she shared, emphasizing she has voted for Trump in the past three elections.
Daniel Idfren: “There’s too much internal conflict in the Republican Party”
Idfren, a 21-year-old political science student at Syracuse University, is facing a tough job market as he prepares to graduate.
“I’ve been disheartened,” the Brooklynite said, wondering about the impact of AI and immigration on job availability.
He plans to vote for Trump in 2024, believing it’s essential for Republicans to focus on unity instead of bickering over issues like tariffs and Israel.
“In 2024, there was a cultural shift; people were weary of the status quo,” he observed. “But the battle isn’t finished.”
Christina Marr: “I’m trying to avoid the party label”
Although she’s not particularly fond of Trump as a person, Barnard College sophomore Marr supports him for his political acumen on immigration and family values.
At 20, she’s been largely satisfied with Trump’s performance, though she’s hesitant about the Republican Party itself.
“I tend to shy away from labels,” she noted.
Marr expressed discontent with a particular groupthink emerging among younger conservatives, especially those influenced by Nick Fuentes and Candice Owens. “I used to think liberals were conformists, but conservatives can be too,” she stated. “This isn’t just a party issue; it’s a broader social media phenomenon.”
Kevin Alexander: “Neither party is addressing affordability”
Living in Southwest Florida, Alexander comments on the stark divides within Gen Z’s political views. “They’re either far-right or far-left,” he remarked, indicating a concerning trend.
The rising cost of living is troubling for him. “Neither party really addresses affordability,” he said, pointing out that many struggle to cover basic necessities.
Daniel Di Martino: “I saw with my own eyes how socialism destroys the economy”
Having grown up in Venezuela, Di Martino, now 27, champions capitalism and free enterprise while working as an immigration policy analyst in New York City.
“I witnessed firsthand the devastation socialist policies brought,” he stated, adding that while Republicans excel on cultural issues, they’re compromising the future by overspending.
“Federal leaders aren’t doing enough to rein in spending for future generations,” Di Martino remarked.
To the right
Young conservatives share their thoughts and habits.
Where do you get your news and commentary?
Azlan: Washington Post and New York Post
Grace: Daily Wire, Fox News, Ruthless Podcast
Daniel I: Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today; not interested in conservative podcasters. “They seem too focused on competing for outrageous takes,” he remarked.
Christina: Jordan Berman, FOX News, Newsmax; adds “Unbiased Politics” podcast with CNN for balance.
Kevin: “Unbiased Politics,” CNN, Fox, MSNBC, though he questions their accuracy.
Daniel D: X Influencer, Wall Street Journal Podcast, Daily Wire, New York Post
Who do you want to run in 2028?
Azlan: JD Vance
Grace: JD Vance, or another Millennial, feeling that many current politicians are out of touch.
Daniel I: JD Vance
Christina: JD Vance
Kevin: Ron DeSantis
Daniel D: Marco Rubio
What about the wild card nomination in 2028?
Azlan: Donald Trump Jr.
Grace: John Fetterman
Daniel I: Ron DeSantis
Christina: “I don’t have ideal candidates in mind; no one seems to resonate with voters right now.”
Kevin: HR McMaster
Daniel D: Doug Ducey or Glenn Youngkin
Is Donald Trump a true conservative?
Azlan: “Yes, definitely.”
Grace: “Almost not, given his spending habits… He seems more like his own party.”
Daniel I: “He’s a different form of conservative; more populist.”
Christina: “Not really, but that’s not the point. We need someone who can mobilize support.”
Kevin: “Absolutely not. If he’d listen to the right people, maybe, but he often lacks core values.”
Daniel D: “He serves as a means to promote conservative policies, but I’m uncertain he identifies as a conservative himself.”
What do Republicans get right?
Azlan: Iranian foreign policy.
Grace: They make people feel safer.
Daniel I: Reclaiming culture and common sense.
Christina: Upholding family values.
Kevin: Foreign policy, greatly attributed to Marco Rubio.
Daniel D: Cultural matters like gun rights and choice in education. “At the state level, the party seems troubled.”
What are Republicans doing wrong?
Azlan: The lack of leadership after Trump was unexpected.
Grace: There’s excessive ego and disunity.
Daniel I: Too much infighting.
Christina: “The Capitol riots illustrated divisions within the party. We keep placing leaders on pedestals without questioning them.”
Kevin: Impulsive thinking and careless rhetoric.
Daniel D: Irresponsible spending that jeopardizes future generations.
