Gen Z and millennial Americans are a growing portion of the electorate, estimated to make up roughly half of all eligible voters by 2026. However, these same voters are also feeling increasingly unhappy with the political system that they're poised to dominate in the coming years, notably as they struggle with the high cost of living.

That's reflected in a new poll from the University of Chicago, which shows that nearly 60% disapprove of President Trump's job in office, while just 30% approve, a six-point drop compared to his favorability rating in the survey last year.

The University of Chicago's GenForward survey, first obtained by NPR, also paints a sobering picture for both parties ahead of the midterms. Support for Democrats has dropped substantially since last year, with the latest survey finding that roughly six in 10 young people now have unfavorable impressions of both parties.

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/10/nx-s1-5637430/youth-polling-update

The findings comes at a time when many Gen Z and millennial Americans already distrust American institutions and their ability to make change — a point reflected in the poll, as nearly 70% say they have little to no trust in the Trump administration or Congress.

However, to Cohen, that distrust connects back to how young Americans are feeling about their economic opportunities. She points out that when asked about factors needed to make democracy work well in the U.S., 33% chose housing and food affordability, the top selection after the need for free and fair elections at 41%.

"These young people are saying that without the ability to have full lives, they can't be full citizens," she said. "They're rejecting this idea that we should kind of separate or bifurcate discussions of democracy from discussions of affordability."