NORTHFIELD, Minn. — One critical group that has helped President-elect Donald Trump complete his unprecedented political comeback: young men.
“This was an election about the economy,” said Dr. Ryan Dawkins, professor at Carleton College.
Currently, according to polls, “Gen Z” men are leaning toward former President Trump. In Northfield, Chris Flemming is the president of the St. Olaf College Republicans and says he sees that firsthand.
“We have seen a lot more men join the organization lately,” Flemming told WCCO. “The Trump campaign has done a great job reaching Gen Z men, the group I am a part of. I think Barron Trump had some good calls on the Joe Rogan podcast, about Theo Von.”
Across the street at Carleton College, Dawkins said he thinks they targeted this demographic on purpose.
“A key part of this campaign is built around this ‘boys versus girls’ narrative,” Dawkins added. “Trump did better among virtually every demographic group in the country.”
He also says that a growing education gap may have also contributed to this. And that young men in particular are struggling because women are surpassing men in higher education at an alarming rate.
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to break into the middle class,” he said.
“I do know there is a problem with voters with little information,” said Carleton student Lauren Back.
“The issue is whether there is a true affordability crisis and everyone in Gen Z is affected,” said Carleton student Patrick Assali.