Youngest Fans of Politics Struggle to Remember a Time Without Trump

Young Voters Show Shift in Support for Trump in Upcoming Election

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, a surprising trend is emerging among young voters: a shift in support for former President Donald Trump. Despite his controversial presidency, Trump is gaining traction with this demographic, challenging the traditional liberal leanings of young voters.

Luke Harris, a 19-year-old student at Kennesaw State University, attended a recent Trump rally in Rome, Ga., citing his parents’ influence as long-time supporters of the former president. Similarly, Charlie Meyer, a 17-year-old high school student from Green Bay, Wis., was drawn to Trump’s views on abortion at a young age and has little memory of pre-Trump politics.

Recent polls show Trump performing better with young voters than in previous elections, with some surveys indicating a close race between Trump and President Biden among 18- to 29-year-olds. This shift is notable given young voters’ historically liberal views and support for Democratic candidates.

While some young voters, like Allyson Langston, have shifted towards supporting Trump due to personal experiences and changing priorities, others, like Makai Henry, have moved away from conservative views after reevaluating their political beliefs.

As the election approaches, the divide among young voters remains apparent, with some embracing Trump as a familiar figure in their political landscape, while others view him as a relic of the past. The upcoming election will test the evolving political ideologies of young voters and their impact on the outcome of the race.