Recently, a Quinnipiac University poll asked voters what they considered to be President Trump’s greatest concern six months into his term. Respondents were presented with various issues—like immigration, the economy, climate change, and crime. However, the poll seemed to overlook a crucial topic: the impact of Trump’s actions on children. A study has highlighted that kids are often more affected by his example than we realize.
Warnings about Trump have often been serious. For example, his former chief of staff, General John Kelly, famously described him as profoundly flawed, predicting that a second term would be chaotic and marked by overreach. That prediction was, perhaps, on point.
As the 2024 election approaches, a group of 200 mental health professionals signed an open letter characterizing Trump as a “malignant narcissist” with an untreated personality disorder. They pointed to patterns of behavior that disregard social norms, demonstrate recklessness, and lack accountability.
A recent book by Yale psychiatrist James Kimmel describes Trump as a “revenge addict,” suggesting that his behavior often stems from a desire for retaliation against those he feels have wronged him.
We’re seeing these troubling behaviors play out in real-time.
The media often labels Trump as a “deal maker,” yet his approach could be described as coercive rather than collaborative. A deal, for Trump, often seems to hinge not on mutual agreement but on bending others to his will. His use of punitive tariffs and legal maneuvers exemplifies this style, and he seems to revel in undermining those he views unfavorably.
Trump’s actions certainly affect America’s reputation on both domestic and international stages, but the long-term impact on children could be even more profound. The negative behavior he exhibits dominates news cycles, and young people are paying attention.
Margaret Hagerman, a sociologist at Mississippi State University, expressed her concern that while some children are motivated to advocate for civil rights, others are emulating negative behaviors. She recounted instances where children playfully act out as immigration agents, a troubling reflection of their environment.
“It bothers me to see kids so young, about 11, 12, or 13, embracing dehumanizing and racist ideas,” she remarked.
During the 2016 campaign, the Southern Poverty Law Center highlighted how Trump’s platform instilled fear among children of color, raising tensions in the classroom. Many expressed anxiety over deportation.
Notably, one in four students in American K-12 schools comes from immigrant families.
Mariun Costello, an educator at the Southern Poverty Law Center, noted that her students are afraid of Trump, fearing catastrophic outcomes for their communities if he were to gain power again.
“Concerns among minority children have resurfaced as fears typical of authoritarian regimes,” Costello added, pointing out the regression in anti-bullying efforts due to the current political climate.
The policies under Trump’s leadership are inflicting real harm—both physically and psychologically—on kids. Years of advocacy for children’s well-being can be undone in a relatively short time.
Warnings have long been issued about the potential long-term consequences of his policies, especially for vulnerable groups. Experts argue that children, particularly those from lower-income or minority backgrounds, will disproportionately bear the brunt of these actions.
Allowing unchecked climate change could lead to a compromised future for children. This not only poses immediate threats but also has long-lasting effects on their health and well-being, especially for young and developing bodies.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “The measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” With the way Trump’s actions influence and affect today’s youth, it feels like we are witnessing a troubling form of abuse.
William S. Becker is a co-editor of a book on democracy and contributes to discussions about civic engagement and climate action.
