Generation Z continues to demonstrate dangerous levels of education and critical thinking skills, with recent polling showing 71 percent disapprove of President Donald Trump's job performance.
The troubling trend confirms what Republican strategists have long feared: that higher education and access to information poses an existential threat to their electoral coalition. Despite Trump's best efforts to position himself as relatable by speaking at an eighth-grade reading level and dismissing climate science as a hoax, the most educated generation in history stubbornly refuses to find this appealing.
Political analysts note Gen Z's skepticism extends beyond Trump himself, with 43 percent saying neither party represents American values—a clear sign these young people have been thinking too much again. Only 27 percent of Gen Z strongly agrees democracy is the best form of government, suggesting years of watching adults govern has given them concerns rather than the unquestioning patriotism Republicans prefer.
The crisis deepened throughout 2024 as Trump courted young voters through appearances with Joe Rogan and other podcasters, only to watch his net approval among 18-to-29-year-olds plummet from 55 percent in February to 28 percent by July. Experts theorize this collapse occurred because young people were actually listening to what he said rather than just enjoying the vibes.
Trump has long warned about the dangers posed by intellectualism, famously declaring that he trusts his gut more than experts' brains and sneering at campaign rallies about how terrible experts are. His administration has followed through by appointing officials who lack relevant expertise, gutting research funding, and threatening universities—all sensible responses when your political success depends on voters not examining your policies too carefully.
