A recent NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll reveals that less than a quarter of young Americans approve of President Joe Biden’s performance, reflecting significant discontent among the TikTok generation. The survey, released on Thursday, indicates that only 24% of Americans aged 18 to 29 approve of Biden’s presidency, mirrored by 24% who view him favorably, and 62% who hold unfavorable views. Broader Gen Z and Millennial age groups show only 37% approval and 38% favorability for Biden.

Comparing these figures to the 2020 election, where Biden held a 20-point lead over Donald Trump among Gen Z and Millennial voters, the new poll indicates a substantial shift. If an election were held today, 52% of Gen Z/Millennial voters would choose Biden over Trump in a head-to-head match. However, Biden falls behind Trump when third-party candidates are included, with Trump receiving 40%, Biden 34%, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 11%, Cornel West 4%, and Jill Stein 6%.

The broader voter demographic aged under 45 also shows increased support for Trump when third-party candidates are considered, with Trump leading Biden by eight points. Despite Trump’s higher favorability among younger Americans compared to Biden, 49% favorable versus Biden’s 24%, many young voters remain dissatisfied with both candidates. Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, characterizes this group as “double haters,” indicating a lack of strong attachment to either major candidate.

Additionally, 17% of voters stated that a guilty verdict in Trump’s ongoing hush money trial would make them less likely to vote for him, while the majority of voters indicated it would not change their decision. This includes significant subgroups such as white voters without college degrees and rural residents.

The NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist survey underscores Biden’s challenges in maintaining support among younger voters, a critical demographic that significantly contributed to his 2020 victory.