Trump vs Millenials
In 2021, former President Donald Trump found himself in hot water yet again after a YouGov poll revealed that 58% of millennials believed he paid hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels during his presidential campaign. The poll, which surveyed 1,000 people between the ages of 24 and 39, also found that a majority of respondents did not believe that Trump would have been a good president, and only 18% approved of his performance during his time in office.
The poll results highlight a growing divide between Trump and younger generations, particularly millennials, who have largely been critical of his policies and behavior. This divide has been attributed to a number of factors, including Trump’s controversial rhetoric, his divisive policies on issues like immigration and LGBTQ+ rights, and his response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hush money scandal, which first came to light in 2018, has remained a sticking point for many millennials, who view it as evidence of Trump’s dishonesty and lack of integrity. The scandal involved Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, who admitted to paying $130,000 in hush money to Daniels just weeks before the 2016 presidential election. The payment was made in exchange for Daniels’ silence about an alleged affair she had with Trump in 2006.
Despite Trump’s repeated denials of any wrongdoing, the scandal has continued to haunt him, with many millennials citing it as evidence of his untrustworthiness. This sentiment was reflected in the YouGov poll, which found that 58% of millennials believed Trump paid hush money to Daniels, compared to just 17% who did not believe he did.
The poll results are also indicative of a broader shift in attitudes towards politics and public figures, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement and other high-profile scandals involving powerful men. Millennials, in particular, have been vocal in their support of victims of sexual assault and harassment, and have been critical of those who engage in such behavior. Trump’s alleged affair with Daniels and the subsequent hush money scandal represent a clear example of this type of behavior, and it is perhaps not surprising that millennials view it with such skepticism.
Ultimately, the YouGov poll highlights the ongoing cultural and political divide between Trump and younger generations, particularly millennials. As more and more millennials come of age and begin to participate in politics, it is likely that their views and values will continue to shape the political landscape, and it remains to be seen whether Trump and other politicians will be able to bridge this divide and win their support.
