Poll: Young voters’ support for Trump plunges

President Donald Trump’s approval rating among voters under 30 has plunged over the past six months, according to the latest CBS News/YouGov poll conducted July 18-21. 

The survey, conducted among 1,729 adult citizens, found that 66% of voters aged 18-29 disapprove of Trump’s job performance. Only 28% of young voters approve, while 6% said they were unsure. 

Just six months earlier, a January CBS/YouGov survey found this same age group was the most optimistic about Trump’s return to the White House, with 67% expressing optimism.

Overall, Trump’s net approval rating stands at -15, the lowest of his second term. About 55% of Americans disapprove of his job performance, while 41% approve and 4% are unsure. 

RealClearPolitics’ polling average puts Trump’s disapproval rating at around 53%, with about 46% approving.

On key issues, the poll showed negative net approval across the board. 

National security stood at -2, immigration at -6, foreign policy at -11, jobs and the economy at -12, foreign trade at -15, and inflation/prices at -29.

Inflation remains the top concern for Americans, with 21% identifying it as their most important issue, followed by jobs and economy at 14%, health care at 10%, and immigration at 9%.

The poll also revealed broad public interest in government transparency regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Eighty-one percent of Americans want all documents related to Epstein released. Two-thirds — including 84% of Democrats and 53% of Republicans —  think the government is covering up evidence regarding his client list and death.

On July 7, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI released a memo stating that Epstein died by suicide and had no “client list.” As CatholicVote reported July 16, Trump later dismissed ongoing speculation over Epstein’s death as a “hoax” pushed by Democrats.

Regarding public broadcasting, opinions were split.

Twenty-seven percent want to cut or eliminate funding for outlets like Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) or National Public Radio (NPR), while 28% want to increase funding and 33% want it to remain the same. Twelve percent are unsure.

Republicans expressed the strongest opposition, with 51% in favor of decreasing or cutting funding, compared with just 5% of Democrats and 25% of Independents. 

Beyond domestic issues, the survey explored public attitudes toward the US’ role in Ukraine.

One-third of Americans support increasing military aid to Ukraine, while 23% would maintain current aid levels. Meanwhile, 10% favor cuts and 16% want to end aid entirely. Eighteen percent are unsure.