Conventional wisdom suggests that young people are typically progressive, yet recent polling reveals a striking shift among the nation’s youth toward conservatism. In the 2024 election, a notable 43% of Americans under 30 cast their vote for Donald Trump, marking a 7-point increase from his previous campaigns. This trend raises critical questions about the ideological landscape of younger voters and the implications for the MAGA movement.
Are young Americans genuinely trending rightward? If so, what factors are driving this shift? Does it align with traditional conservatism, or is it deeply intertwined with the culture wars that have polarized American society? On a recent episode of FP Live, conservative commentator Emily Jashinsky discussed these dynamics, offering insights into how the ideological terrain is evolving within the GOP.
Jashinsky, who identifies as a conservative journalist, noted that the trend toward political identification among journalists has grown over the decades, particularly on the right. Historically, the conservative movement aimed to cultivate young journalists who would subtly infuse conservative perspectives into mainstream media. However, with the democratization of media through technology and the rise of blogs, there’s been a dramatic shift towards openly conservative voices in journalism. This shift reflects a growing frustration among conservatives about their underrepresentation in traditional newsrooms.
The new right, as Jashinsky defines it, centers around those who resonate with the MAGA ethos, regardless of their stance on Trump himself. However, the landscape is complicated by a faction of conservatives who may profess support for elements like tariffs while remaining fundamentally opposed to the broader MAGA agenda. Jashinsky argues that the true delineations within the conservative movement will become clearer in the aftermath of Trump’s influence.
This brings us to the pressing question: why are young Americans gravitating toward conservatism? Jashinsky points to a significant trend among young men who are increasingly supportive of conservative policies, particularly on issues like immigration. Interestingly, while young women also showed a slight move away from Democratic candidates, the overall support among youth for conservative stances remains below the 50% threshold—a remarkable shift nonetheless.
The intricate relationship between rhetoric and policy is exemplified in the immigration debate. While Trump’s tough immigration stance garners some support, the gap between his fiery rhetoric and actual policy execution raises questions about whether young Americans are truly aligning with these positions or simply reacting to the prevailing political climate.
Cultural icons like Zach Bryan, who critique ICE’s authoritarian tactics, highlight a growing discontent among young voters concerning aggressive immigration enforcement. Even figures like Joe Rogan express discomfort with Trump’s immigration policies, suggesting a potential cultural shift that could redefine young Americans’ political affiliations.
As we explore these cultural currents, the recent release of Taylor Swift’s album serves as a fascinating case study. While her embrace of traditional family values might appear conservative, it would be a grave error for the right to claim her as a victory without acknowledging the nuanced shifts in her public persona. Swift’s journey underscores the complexity of defining contemporary political identities among youth.
At a macro level, the attraction of young people to the right appears to stem from a backlash against the status quo—a reaction to perceived failures of the left rather than an endorsement of cohesive conservative principles. Jashinsky highlights that many young conservatives view the left’s cultural agenda as a threat, particularly in light of experiences during the pandemic and movements like #MeToo.
However, this raises an essential concern: if the current political landscape is defined by an anti-left sentiment rather than a clear right-wing ideology, what does that mean for the future? The right struggles to articulate a coherent identity beyond opposition to the left, leading to confusion about what it genuinely stands for.
As the GOP grapples with these challenges, the question of foreign policy looms large. The phrase “America First” has become synonymous with Trump’s approach, yet it remains frustratingly vague. Jashinsky asserts that interpretations of “America First” are often shaped by Trump’s personal views, raising concerns about the sustainability of this approach once he exits the political stage.
Moreover, the right’s internal conflicts regarding authoritarianism and executive power illustrate a troubling trend. During the Obama era, conservatives were vocal critics of executive overreach, yet many now remain silent or complicit as Trump consolidates power. This hypocrisy undermines the very principles of limited government that the right once championed, and the fear of failing loyalty tests stifles genuine dissent within conservative ranks.
The rise of right-wing populism in America resonates with similar movements across the globe, from Turkey to Hungary, suggesting a broader reaction against the left. The diverse coalitions emerging within these movements, rooted in nationalism and anti-establishment sentiment, complicate the narrative of a cohesive right. As the MAGA coalition evolves, it reflects a reactionary impulse rather than a unified vision for the future.
Ultimately, the new right represents a significant challenge to the traditional conservative paradigm. As young Americans grapple with their political identities amid a shifting landscape, progressives must remain vigilant in advocating for social justice, equality, and accountability. Only by addressing the systemic issues that underlie these cultural and political shifts can we hope to forge a more equitable future.
