Young Americans, particularly Gen Z, are experiencing a decline in trust towards government institutions, a sentiment highlighted in the spring 2025 Harvard Youth Poll. This generation, shaped by the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty, exhibits a profound skepticism towards the effectiveness of all three branches of government in serving their best interests.
The Erosion of Trust
Only 19 percent of respondents in the poll expressed confidence in the federal government’s ability to consistently make the right decisions. Congress garnered the lowest level of trust at 18 percent, followed closely by the presidency at 23 percent, and the Supreme Court at 29 percent.
Roots of Disillusionment
Amid economic struggles and social disconnection, young Americans find themselves increasingly disillusioned with the status quo. Jordan Schwartz, the student chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project, notes that this generation no longer looks to politics as a panacea for their challenges. Instead, there is a growing disconnect as faith in government institutions wanes.
Partisan Perspectives
Notably, the Democratic Party is facing a notable decline in support from young Americans, with approval ratings plummeting from 42 percent to 23 percent in recent years. In contrast, approval ratings for congressional Republicans have remained relatively stable. However, neither party commands significant favor among young voters.
Policy Preferences
President Donald Trump’s policies, including tariffs on foreign goods, have met with mixed reactions among young Americans. While there is limited support for these measures, opinions are sharply divided along partisan lines, reflecting the broader political polarization in the country.
Changing Dynamics
Despite historical trends, there are indications of shifting preferences among young Americans. President Trump’s approval ratings have fluctuated, with notable increases in support from certain demographic groups. These changing dynamics underscore the evolving nature of political engagement among the youth.
Survey Insights
The Harvard Youth Poll, conducted among 2,096 Americans aged 18-29, provides valuable insights into the attitudes and perceptions of young adults towards government institutions. The margin of error for this survey is plus or minus 3.21 percentage points, highlighting the significance of the findings.
