Democrats Seize Opportunity Amid Trump’s Declining Popularity with American Men
The current political landscape is presenting Democrats with a valuable chance to refine their communication strategies toward Americans, many of whom are increasingly disillusioned with President Trump. Poll results from CBS News/YouGov indicate a decline in Trump’s approval rate among the male demographic, currently standing at 47%, and a 53% disapproval rate. A particularly sore point has been Trump’s perceived mismanagement of the economy, further amplified by concerns over deteriorating economic conditions and inflation.
Trump’s approach towards the Israel-Hamas conflict and his immigration policies have also garnered dissatisfaction. The sentiment of discontent extends to Generation Z, with a notable segment of young men voicing their displeasure over Trump’s economic performance. Trending poll numbers reveal a dwindling faith in President Donald Trump among the American male population.
According to the aforementioned CBS News/YouGov poll, Trump’s popularity has slipped among men, demonstrating a 47% approval rate contrasted with a 53% disapproval rate. Historically, men have leaned more toward the Republican Party, but Trump’s economic policies and questionable decisions regarding foreign policy and immigration seem to be gradually alienating this demographic.
The economy, the cornerstone of any nation, has been a point of contention for Trump. The same CBS News/YouGov poll acknowledges that 49% of men believe the economy is on a downhill slide, and 59% disapprove of how Trump handles the threat of inflation. Six out of ten male participants believe Trump’s emphasis on tariffs is excessive, while 65% feel he is not doing enough to primarily decrease the cost of goods and services.
By linking the economic hardships felt nationwide to President Trump, Democrats may be able to convince the male demographic that their economic welfare might not be best protected under Republican legislators. Around 55% of men see the handling of the economy and inflation as key factors in their view of the president, but there are other policy areas where Trump is also losing popularity.
For instance, 53% of men have expressed dissatisfaction with how the Trump administration managed the Israel-Hamas War, a situation Trump promised to resolve during his campaign. Half the men polled disapprove of Trump’s immigration policies, with almost the same amount surprised at the rate at which immigrants are being deported under this administration.
Turning to Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, it appears that many are becoming aware of what they deem as Trump’s shortcomings. CBS News/YouGov poll data displays a declining approval rate among 18- to 29-year-olds, dwindling to 28% in July. An overwhelming 71% among those under 30 voice disapproval over Trump’s economic governance and 73% take issue with his approach towards inflation.
Much like their male counterparts, Gen Z’s perspective on Trump varies greatly from their voting behavior in the 2024 elections. In that election, the majority of voters aged between 18-29 favored Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, albeit by a noticeably smaller margin than they favored former President Joe Biden in 2020. Interestingly, 56% of male voters from this age group voted for Trump in the 2024 elections, 1 percentage point higher than the overall male voters.
The sudden shift in this generation’s perception of President Trump, who largely formed their view of the Republican Party, is significant. They might be starting to attribute the positive sentiments felt during his first term to youthful nostalgia more than political satisfaction.
With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, this generation should prioritize the development of a compelling, populist narrative, focusing specifically on economic issues. These economic concerns appear to be primary benchmarks on which the president’s performance is evaluated.