While one-in-four Americans who voted for President Trump in 2024 now regret their choice, regret is even higher with younger Americans. More than a third (35%) of Gen Z who voted for Trump in 2024 now regret their vote, compared to 24% of millennials, 16% of Gen X, and 8% of baby boomers. 

Gen Z Trump Regretters are Particularly Wary of the Economy and Corruption

The economy stands out as the top grievance for young voters nearly two years into Trump’s second term. Among Gen Z, net approval of Trump’s handling of the economy sits at -39 points (29% approve – 68% disapprove). Gen Z Trump voters were expecting his second administration to bring economic relief, only to be let down.

• “I just feel like nothing went correctly. I just feel like everything got worse, which I don’t know how that’s possible. The economy went down, just, like, every, every single thing got worse… Nothing went how it was supposed to go. Everything right now is just horrible.” – Black man, 29, FL, Trump regretter 

Jobs and the economy are consistently a top focus for Gen Z, with 50% saying they are among the most important issues for the president and Congress to focus on. The focus group participants shared this opinion while also expressing frustration with the job market. 

• “I’m a college graduate, and it’s so hard to get in my career field with no experience… And I feel like that’s a big problem in the economy. We going to school, paying all this money to go to college, get degrees, and when it’s time to find a good job in this economy, we can’t. Like, it’s just… I feel like it’s not enough.” – OH woman, 25, Trump regretter 

• “Here I am, gonna graduate with my degree in tech soon, and everybody who recently has graduated is struggling beyond, like, recognition.” – White man, 26, SC, Trump regretter 

Their disappointment with Trump goes beyond the economy. These regretters also point to broken promises and corruption, including the handling of the Epstein files.

Notably, this was the only focus group with Trump regretters where Israel and AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) funding was brought up organically. The topic did not come up in the other two groups. 

• “[Trump] cares more about foreign affairs than American people.” – Latino woman, 26, TX, Trump regretter

• “In the last couple of years, probably since this Israel-Hamas war began, I feel like a lot of people have been exposed by both sides of the political aisle for getting funding from AIPAC… I think that Israel, I think we’ve helped them a little bit enough, and I think that they need to not rely on us so much… We’re pretty far away from Israel, last time I checked.” – Black man, 25, TX, Trump regretter

When having conversations with loved ones regarding Trump and regretting their vote, they are met with mixed reactions.

Regretters Head into the Midterms Divided and Unsure, but Some Willing to Give Democrats a Chance

Going into the midterms in less than a month, these Gen Z Trump regretters are feeling confused, with several describing the upcoming election as “a mess.” 

• “I just feel like I voted for the first time in the last election… I wasn’t happy with my vote, but it’s hard making a vote, especially when stuff is so complicated right now… I don’t know how I’m gonna figure it out. I try to keep up with stuff and do my research, but I’m new to my area, too, so that makes it harder.” – White woman, 20, SC, Trump regretter

These regretters are split on who they will vote for. Despite being unhappy with Trump’s performance, three are still planning on voting Republican. One participant from Texas cited the Republican candidates in his state as having more experience, and another from South Carolina cited feeling more in line with GOP policies. Another regretter from Ohio is still undecided, but is leaning Republican. 

However, around half of the participants plan to vote for Democrats in the midterms. They see Democrats as agents of change and are willing to give them a chance to correct Trump’s broken promises. 

One Texas voter is planning on voting blue for both the gubernatorial and Senate race, explaining his thinking:

• “Mostly for change. Mostly to get something different than I did in the previous election. You know, people who can tackle the economy and the hunger crisis more.” – Black male, 29, TX, Trump regretter

Another participant wants to see what would happen if Democrats control the Senate: 

• “I think just the principle of seeking change. Well, I’d be curious to see, like, what track will we be on if a different party was in power at this moment in time. You know, from an economic standpoint and any other standpoint.” – MS male, 21, Trump regretter

Another echoed the sentiment of giving Democrats a chance to prove themselves.

• “I’m willing, you know, I’m willing to give the other side a chance, see how that works. I don’t think they’re gonna make a total change, but things are just horrible right now for me, so I feel like even if they make one or two small changes, it will probably benefit me.” – Black male, 29, FL, Trump regretter

Gen Z had varying perceptions of the Democratic Party, ranging from intelligent to lacking real leadership. Participants were asked which animal they thought represented the Democratic Party.

Gen Z is Using AI Almost Every Day and for Almost Everything, But Have Serious Concerns

When the group was asked who used AI almost every day, most raised their hands. Participants are using AI for scheduling outside of work, for their jobs, research, and summarizing information.

• “I use AI every day for everything, like for work, to draft stuff, to send messages, to make it professional. I feel like AI will take over everything like grocery stores and jobs and learning, education, because all you have to do is type in one thing in AI and it’s going to pop up.” – OH woman, 25, Trump regretter

Despite their frequent use of AI, Gen Z is keenly aware of its drawbacks and negative consequences.

Gen Z participants strongly support strict AI regulations, particularly when it comes to generative AI. They want to see real guardrails in place from the government and other major players.

Gen Z Feels Priced Out of the American Dream 

Many participants feel that the American Dream is out of reach. Compared to their parents’ generation, they feel navigating the economic landscape is more difficult, especially when it comes to home ownership and finances. Still, they feel there are advantages to growing up in the modern age. 

Even With Current Struggles, Gen Z is Resilient and Hopeful for the Future

Participants were asked to imagine writing a letter from their 50-year-old-selves to their current selves, and to imagine what the letter might say. Despite regrets and economic worries, Gen Z participants were hopeful about the future. 

• “I will say that the time you’re living is a crucial point in American history, but over time, this country will become a bigger and stronger union and more united and less divisive.” – Black man, 25, TX, Trump regretter

• “I would tell myself there will always be good days, there will always be bad days, but just be hopeful for the best.” – Black man, 29, TX, Trump regretter

• “Even though what’s going on right now is difficult, things can always change later on. So just keep pushing and just keep on going.” – Black man, 29, FL, Trump regretter