The Normalization of Trump: Young Voters’ Perspectives on the Former President
Title: Young Voters Reflect on Growing Up in the Trump Era
When Donald J. Trump held a rally in Rome, Ga., in March, his audience included a second-generation supporter and first-time rallygoer named Luke Harris. Harris, now a 19-year-old student at Kennesaw State University, shared his journey of growing up in the era of Trump and how it shaped his political views.
For many young voters like Harris, Trump’s presidency represented a break from traditional politics and a new normal. Charlie Meyer, a 17-year-old high school student, first supported Trump at 13 due to his views on abortion. Meyer’s experience reflects a generation that has only known politics in the Trump era.
Recent polls show Trump gaining more support among young voters compared to previous elections. While President Biden still leads among this demographic, Trump’s appeal to young men and his policies resonating with some voters have contributed to his growing popularity.
The Trump campaign sees an opportunity in the shifting demographics, especially with young voters disengaged from the current election cycle. The impact of the pandemic on young people’s lives has also influenced their political views, with some feeling frustrated with Biden’s handling of the situation.
For first-time voters like Allyson Langston and Makai Henry, their political evolution has been shaped by their experiences growing up in the Trump era. Langston, who shifted towards Republican values during high school, plans to vote for Trump in her first presidential election. On the other hand, Henry, who initially found Trump amusing, now leans towards voting for Biden as an independent.
As young voters navigate their political identities in a post-Trump world, their diverse perspectives and experiences highlight the complexity of generational politics. The upcoming election will be a test of how the Trump era continues to influence the views and choices of the youngest generation of voters.
