As the 2024 elections approach, young Americans are positioned to be a powerful force in shaping the nation’s future. With their values of inclusion, equality, and social justice, this generation has the opportunity to demand real change. However, Donald Trump’s return to the presidential race raises critical questions about whether he is the right leader for this generation. His presidency left behind a legacy of division and setbacks in areas that directly impact young people, calling for careful reevaluation of his candidacy.
Trump’s time in office was marked by increasing societal polarization, fueled by rhetoric that heightened racial and social tensions. This runs counter to the values of today’s youth—the most diverse generation in American history—who seek unity and progress. His failure to address these tensions left a divided nation, and his environmental policies, which rolled back key climate regulations, ignored one of the most urgent issues facing the future: climate change. For a generation that has led global movements for environmental sustainability, Trump’s stance represents a backward step at a time when bold action is needed.
Economically, Trump’s policies benefited large corporations and the wealthy while neglecting critical issues such as student debt relief and job creation for younger workers. These decisions exacerbated inequalities and failed to provide meaningful solutions for the challenges young people face. But today’s youth are more than just observers; they are leaders in social justice, environmental advocacy, and economic reform. Supporting Trump in 2024 would not only prolong past setbacks but also undermine the potential for a future that aligns with their vision of an inclusive, sustainable, and economically just society. The power is in their hands to demand leaders who truly reflect their aspirations and values.
