These Gen Z Men Voted for Trump. Would They Do It Again? | WSJ

Summary

This discussion focuses on the perspectives of young voters on President Trump's actions during his time in office. The group shares their views on key issues like immigration, foreign policy, economic challenges, and Trump’s fulfillment of his campaign promises. While some express frustration with the pace of certain policies, others show support for his stance on national security and foreign relations. Ultimately, the conversation reveals a complex and nuanced understanding of Trump's impact, emphasizing the importance of scrutiny, critical thinking, and open dialogue in democratic participation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trump is seen as both fulfilling and falling short of his promises, with mixed opinions on his actions.
• 😀 Some voters feel Trump's deportation plan is moving too slowly, while others think his actions have been effective in securing borders.
• 😀 The issue of H-1B visas and green cards remains a frustration for many voters who feel Trump hasn't followed through on his promises regarding immigration reform.
• 😀 The US military actions and foreign policy have been divisive, with some voters supporting Trump's efforts to end wars, while others criticize his handling of conflicts, particularly with Iran and Ukraine.
• 😀 Trump's administration faced scrutiny over its approach to Israel and Palestine, with some calling for more support for Palestinians, while others support a strong alliance with Israel.
• 😀 Many voters agree that the US should not be involved in foreign wars, but some believe a balanced approach to diplomacy and defense is necessary.
• 😀 Trump’s transparency, or lack thereof, regarding the Epstein files sparks debate, with some questioning if there’s a cover-up.
• 😀 Economic optimism is mixed, with concerns about the housing bubble and inflation, but some voters feel hopeful about Trump's influence on the economy.
• 😀 Voters express frustration with government spending, with many believing that efforts to reduce waste are insufficient.
• 😀 There is a recognition that criticism of Trump is valid and necessary, but also a belief that overall, he is doing better than potential alternatives, like Kamala Harris.

Q & A

What is Trump's stance on deportation, and how do voters feel about it?

Trump promised a large-scale deportation program, but many voters feel it has been moving too slowly. Some think it hasn't surpassed Obama's deportation numbers, especially with exceptions like for agricultural workers. Others feel he has been fulfilling his promise to tackle illegal immigration and secure the border.

Do voters believe there should be an easier process for immigrants to enter or work in the U.S. legally?

Yes, several voters expressed that they support the idea of an easier process for immigrants, particularly through H-1B visas and green cards. Some were frustrated by the lack of progress on these issues, especially concerning green card processes for graduates.

What do voters think about Trump's foreign policy and his handling of conflicts like Ukraine and Iran?

Voters had mixed opinions on Trump's foreign policy. Some felt he was trying to solve the war in Ukraine, but others recognized it wouldn't be resolved quickly as he initially promised. Regarding Iran, opinions varied: some supported the precision strikes on Iran, while others preferred a more diplomatic approach.

What do voters think about the U.S.'s relationship with Israel and Palestine?

Voters were divided on the U.S.'s involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While some felt that the U.S. should support Israel, others believed the U.S. should offer aid to Palestinians without sending weapons, and some even felt the U.S. should not be involved in the conflict at all.

What are voters' views on U.S. involvement in helping Ukraine?

Voters expressed concern about U.S. involvement in foreign wars in general. Some agreed that the U.S. should help Ukraine but were wary of getting caught in another conflict. Others believed that peace efforts were needed, but the lack of cooperation from one side made a resolution challenging.

Would voters support declassifying the Epstein files?

Most voters agreed that the Epstein files should be declassified, with some believing that there might be a cover-up, but that Trump himself wasn't directly involved in the scandal.

How do voters feel about the economic future under Trump's policies?

Voters were cautiously optimistic about the future. While some were concerned about housing prices and the housing bubble, others believed that Trump's influence on economic policy and his efforts to reduce government waste would lead to a more prosperous future.

What do voters think about Trump's handling of government spending and the deficit?

Voters felt that Trump had made progress in cutting government waste, particularly through initiatives like DOGE and Elon Musk’s efforts. However, some felt that the changes were insufficient, with the recent spending bill being viewed as not impactful enough.

What do voters think about the U.S. economy moving forward under Trump?

Voters acknowledged that while Trump had an influence on the economy, factors like the Federal Reserve's actions played a more significant role. There was general agreement that the economy moves on its own and that Trump’s policies may not have a direct and immediate effect.

How do voters feel about the political system and promises made by politicians?

Voters expressed frustration with how politicians are elected based on promises rather than on cutting unnecessary spending. They pointed out the challenge of making hard decisions, as voters often expect candidates to give out money rather than reduce government expenditures.