In a trend that’s turning heads across the political landscape, President Donald Trump is gaining fresh support from an unlikely place: the nation’s college campuses.
A recent Newsweek/College Pulse survey of over 1,000 undergraduates shows a measurable rise in student approval for Trump, signaling a growing wave of young Americans rejecting radical left-wing agendas and embracing conservative values.
According to the poll, 7% of college students now “strongly approve” of President Trump, up from 5% in April. Additionally, 18% say they “somewhat approve,” compared to just 14% two months prior. While these numbers may seem modest, they mark a significant shift in a demographic that has long leaned left.
The survey also reveals a broader dissatisfaction with the direction of the country. A stunning 72% of students believe America is headed in the wrong direction, echoing the sentiment of many older voters across the country who have watched the economy spiral and the culture unravel under failed leadership.
When asked about the most pressing issue facing the United States, 27% pointed to economic problems, while another 27% cited political division—two areas where President Trump’s America First policies continue to resonate.
Though resistance remains among a majority of students, the steady rise in Trump’s campus support mirrors growing frustration with progressive orthodoxy, cancel culture, and campus censorship. This momentum reflects a cultural realignment that conservative Americans have long hoped to see take root in higher education.
At the same time, Trump’s approval ratings have fluctuated among other voter groups. A June YouGov/Yahoo News poll reported a decline in net approval among Black voters and Gen Z, while support among Hispanic voters rose significantly—from 26% in May to 32% in June.
Nationally, Trump remains a dominant force. A Quantus Insights poll conducted from June 30 to July 2 placed his approval rating at 47%, with disapproval at 49%—putting him within striking distance of a majority. Other polls by Newsweek and Targoz Market Research showed similar trends, reinforcing Trump’s continued viability and influence going into the 2026 midterm elections.
The Newsweek/College Pulse poll surveyed students from over 1,500 accredited colleges and universities in all 50 states. The sample included 1,021 verified undergraduates, with a margin of error between +/- 3 and 9 percentage points.
With key demographics shifting and youth disillusionment rising, Trump’s appeal to students—once thought impossible—is becoming a reality. As political consultant Jason Corley recently noted, “Voters are restless, anxious, and increasingly alienated.” That alienation may now be driving more young Americans back to the strong, unapologetic leadership of Donald J. Trump.
For conservatives aged 50 and up, this trend should bring hope. The next generation isn’t entirely lost—some are waking up. And they’re putting on the red hat.