By Mohamed Salim
Zoe Reed sat in disbelief on her dorm room floor, staring at the television screen. The numbers were in: Donald Trump had won the 2024 election. For the 20-year-old environmental science student, the result was a blow to the future she had hoped for—one where climate action, education reform, and social justice took center stage. “I feel like the issues that matter most to young people, like climate change and education, weren’t given enough attention,” Reed says. “It’s hard to stay hopeful when it seems like the future isn’t being taken seriously.”
Reed's reaction is shared by many young voters who, after months of campaigning and activism, are left grappling with the consequences of a deeply divided nation. But even as they face a Trump victory, young adults are determined to continue the fight for change.
Young voters, many of whom cast their ballots for the first time in 2020, had hoped the 2024 election would mark a decisive shift in the country's political direction. But with Trump’s victory, their concerns about climate change, social justice, student debt, reproductive and civil rights have been met with a jarring sense of defeat. What’s more, though most young people, 51 percent, voted for Kamala Harris, Trump made surprising inroads into the youth vote, especially among men of color under 30.
“It’s frustrating because his policies don’t seem to match the values I care about, especially when it comes to equality and women’s rights,” says Lily Morgan, a 21-year-old women’s studies major. “But I can’t let that hold me back. I’m going to keep pushing for gender equality on my campus and make sure that those of us who care about these issues are heard.”
For young adults, Trump’s victory represents more than just a setback; it feels like a betrayal of values that they hold dear. Caleb Wright, a 22-year-old sociology student, expressed the anger that many others feel. Wright, whose activism focuses on immigration rights and social justice, said the result has deepened his fears about the direction of the country, particularly for marginalized communities. “His approach has been so bad since it is tearing families apart and spreading fear,” Wright says. “It’s hard to understand how anyone can support a policy that hurts people just trying to build a better future.”
Daniel Nelson, a 23-year-old activist, echoed those concerns, especially for vulnerable groups already facing discrimination. Nelson is involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy and worries that the rhetoric of division, many young voters feel, has only amplified the challenges they face as they navigate a politically charged climate. “His words and actions always hurt and divided people,” says Nelson. “And that’s really scary for those who already face discrimination every day.”
Despite their frustrations, these young voters are far from defeated. Many are committed to intensifying their activism after the election results. Social media has become a central tool for organizing, with young people using platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram to spread awareness, mobilize, and discuss key issues. On Twitter, @GretaThunberg posted to her 5M followers, “Where people face repression and rights violations every day, activists see a clearer connection... We can’t talk about the climate if we can’t even go out on the street and hold a sign. Climate activism and human rights are united.”
For young adults, the 2024 election wasn’t just about one race—it reflected their struggle for a future that prioritizes justice, equality, and sustainability. While Trump’s victory may feel like a setback, it has only strengthened their resolve to fight for a more inclusive and progressive nation. “We may have lost the battle, but we’re not giving up,” Reed says. “The future isn’t written yet—and we’ll keep working to make sure it’s one where everyone has a chance to thrive.”
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