Recent polls have spotlighted a growing disconnect among young Americans, sparking debates about the future of U.S. politics. A study, conducted jointly by ABC News, The Washington Post, and Ipsos, reported on April 27 that President Donald Trump’s approval rating has reached the lowest level seen in 80 years. A Harvard poll revealed that 59% of men aged 18-29 disapprove of Trump’s early move into his second term, with 71% also expressing dissatisfaction with congressional Democrats.
For many of these young individuals—many of whom came of age during the 2008 financial crisis and the recent pandemic job market—these statistics hit close to home. Daily struggles with mounting student debt, uncertain job prospects, and high living costs have led to a deep-seated feeling that neither the government nor the market is working in their favor. 😕
This political alienation points to a broader identity crisis. Long celebrated as a model of liberal democracy and market vitality, the American political system now faces rising policy volatility partly due to an aggressive consolidation of executive power. Key institutions, including the Federal Reserve, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, have seen their autonomy whittled down, shaking global confidence in America’s economic stewardship.
Adding to the uncertainty, recent trade policies have sent ripples across the world. Tariffs imposed on major trade partners, including the Chinese mainland and the EU, have rattled the foundations of globalization and indirectly impacted markets in South and Southeast Asia. In our fast-paced, tech-driven cities—whether it’s Mumbai, Jakarta, or Singapore—this trend resonates deeply. 🌐
With both major political parties failing to offer a compelling direction, the widespread disillusionment among young voters signals a call for substantial change. As institutions struggle to keep pace with a rapidly evolving global landscape, the challenge remains: how can trust be rebuilt in a system that seems out of sync with today’s realities? ✌️
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U.S. youth's disillusionment and disconnection from American politics
cgtn.com
