Kamala Harris focused heavily on abortion rights as a central issue in her campaign, aiming to appeal to women voters. However, Donald Trump managed to secure a victory, significantly increasing his support among American men, especially young men.
Trump’s Appeal to Young Men
Although younger voters generally lean liberal, Trump’s campaign successfully resonated with young men by appealing to traditionally masculine interests, such as combat sports and cryptocurrency. The campaign leveraged male-focused platforms, including popular podcasts. Conservative youth activist Charlie Kirk implied that masculinity itself was at stake, suggesting that male voters should align with Trump.
Trump Breaking the Trend Among Young Voters
While Trump garnered 54% of the male vote overall—up from 51% in 2020—the increase among men aged 18 to 29 was particularly striking, with 49% of young men voting for him. This shift contrasted with young women under 29, who overwhelmingly supported Harris with a 61% majority. Figures like Elon Musk, a high-profile Trump supporter, noted that this surge in support was a pivotal moment for Trump’s campaign.
Economic Concerns and Machismo Appeal
The economic policies promoted by Trump’s campaign attracted young Black men in particular, despite instances of divisive rhetoric. Spencer Thomas, a Howard University student who voted for Harris, observed that many peers focused on economic concerns over issues like abortion rights. Analysts, like media science professor Tammy Vigil, suggested that some Black and Latino men resonated with Trump’s machismo, which allowed them to overlook other controversial aspects of his campaign.
Political scientist Kathleen Dolan added that Trump’s appearance on male-oriented platforms, such as the “Joe Rogan Experience,” was part of his strategy to energize young male voters. Exit polls showed this approach led to a notable 18-point increase in Latino male support for Trump compared to 2020.
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