Young Men’s Financial Struggles Intensify as Trump Support Falters Among Under-30s
While economic indicators show signs of improvement, many young men report ongoing financial difficulties. A new survey by Third Way, a centrist Democratic group, found that Donald Trump’s job approval rating among men aged 18 to 29 has dropped by 34 points.
According to the poll, 58% of young men say Trump has negatively affected their finances, while only 23% report positive effects. Sixty-five percent indicate they are struggling to pay bills or barely making enough for essentials.
Third Way’s pollster, HIT Strategies, is considered left-leaning by some analysts. The survey was supported by Republican data analyst Brent Buchanan of Cygnal, who acknowledged similar trends among younger male voters. “We have seen in the last several months that men under the age of 30 have really fallen off of Donald Trump,” Buchanan said. “They made an exception for Trump in 2024, and they haven’t seen the benefit of it.”
Trump won 54% support from young men in 2024—a significant shift to the right compared to prior cycles—according to AP VoteCast data.
The frustration among young men is tied more to affordability than broad economic indicators. Nearly half blamed Trump’s tariffs for higher grocery prices, while many also cited corporations and a “corrupt political system” for rising housing costs. Additionally, 73% of respondents stated that American culture has worsened since their parents’ generation.
Despite some alignment with Trump’s populist message, the majority express impatience for faster financial relief. Only 26% indicated they would support Vice President JD Vance in a hypothetical 2028 presidential race.
Republicans note that wage growth for blue-collar workers has accelerated and job creation has outpaced expectations, arguing economic momentum takes time to translate into personal financial stability.
As young men increasingly disengage from politics when they feel unheard, both parties are watching closely. If Republicans can link Trump’s economic agenda to tangible daily improvements, they may solidify a realignment. Otherwise, this restless group could once again reshape the 2026 midterms and beyond.
