Harvard Youth Poll: 39% of young Americans say political violence may be justified in some scenarios
A Harvard Youth Poll found 39% of 18–29‑year‑olds say political violence can be acceptable in at least one scenario (56% say it is never acceptable), with scenario breakdowns including 28% if the government violates individual rights, 12% for fraudulent election outcomes and 11% when someone promotes extremist beliefs. The poll also shows broad disaffection with institutions and leaders among young Americans—Trump’s approval is 29% among 18–29‑year‑olds, congressional Democrats 27% and Republicans 26%—alongside low optimism about the country’s direction, widespread economic insecurity and concerns that AI will eliminate opportunities.
📌 Key Facts
- Harvard Youth Poll found 39% of Americans ages 18–29 say political violence can be acceptable in at least one scenario, while 56% say it is never acceptable.
- Scenario breakdown: 28% say political violence is justified when the government violates individual rights; 12% cite fraudulent election outcomes; 11% cite when someone promotes extremist beliefs; other cited scenarios include encouragement of violence and failed peaceful protests.
- The Harvard Crimson reported this was the first time the Youth Poll asked about political violence; the poll was conducted shortly after the killing of activist Charlie Kirk.
- Jordan Schwartz, student chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project, called the findings a "five-alarm fire" for democratic stability.
- Among 18–29-year-olds, Trump’s overall job approval is 29% (down 2 points from spring) and his approval for handling the economy is 26%; congressional Democrats and Republicans each have low approval (27% and 26%, respectively).
- On the 2026 congressional generic ballot among registered voters ages 18–29, Democrats lead 46% to 29% over Republicans, with Democrats leading across most major subgroups.
- Only 13% of young Americans say the country is headed in the right direction; 43% report they are struggling or getting by with limited financial security, and only about three in ten believe they will be better off financially than their parents.
- By more than a 3-to-1 margin, young Americans say artificial intelligence will take away opportunities; the polling release quoted the IOP polling director saying institutions do not feel stable or responsive to many respondents.
📊 Relevant Data
In a 2025 survey, 53% of Black GenZ adults (ages 18-28), who represent approximately 14% of Generation Z, agreed that 'Violence is often necessary to create social change,' compared to lower rates among other racial groups in GenZ.
Support for Political Violence Among Americans — Skeptic Research Center
In a 2025 survey, men were more supportive of political violence than women among young Americans, with liberal GenZ women (ages 18-28) more supportive than older men in some cohorts.
Support for Political Violence Among Americans — Skeptic Research Center
In a 2025 survey, 40% of Americans with a graduate or professional degree agreed that 'Violence is often necessary to create social change,' compared to lower rates among those with less education.
Support for Political Violence Among Americans — Skeptic Research Center
In Q3 2025, the unemployment rate for Black youth aged 16-19 was 22.7%, compared to 12.7% for White youth (who represent approximately 52% of Generation Z), 14.7% for Asian youth, and 17.5% for Hispanic youth.
E-16. Unemployment rates by age, sex, race, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity — Bureau of Labor Statistics
In Q3 2025, the unemployment rate for Black youth aged 20-24 was 12.5%, compared to 8.0% for White youth, 11.3% for Asian youth, and 10.1% for Hispanic youth.
E-16. Unemployment rates by age, sex, race, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity — Bureau of Labor Statistics
In September 2025, only 14% of Black adults trusted the government to do what is right most of the time, compared to 16% of White adults, 20% of Hispanic adults, and 22% of Asian adults.
Trust in government by race and ethnicity — Pew Research Center
📰 Sources (3)
- 39% of 18–29-year-olds say political violence can be acceptable in at least one scenario; 56% say it is never acceptable.
- Scenario breakdowns: 28% when government violates individual rights; 12% when election outcomes are fraudulent; 11% when someone promotes extremist beliefs (others cited included encouragement of violence and failed peaceful protests).
- Harvard Public Opinion Project student chair Jordan Schwartz warned the findings are a “five-alarm fire” for democratic stability.
- The Harvard Crimson reported this is the first time the Youth Poll asked this question; the poll was conducted shortly after the killing of activist Charlie Kirk.
- Trump job approval among 18–29-year-olds is 29% (down 2 points from spring); approval of his handling of the economy is 26%.
- Approval for congressional Democrats is 27% and for congressional Republicans is 26% among young Americans.
- On the 2026 congressional generic ballot among registered voters ages 18–29, Democrats lead 46% to 29% over Republicans, with Democrats leading across most major subgroups.
- Only 13% say the country is headed in the right direction; 43% report they are struggling or getting by with limited financial security; only about three in ten believe they will be better off financially than their parents.
- By more than a 3-to-1 margin, young Americans say AI will take away opportunities; the article cites polling-release highlights and a comment from the IOP polling director about institutions not feeling stable or responsive.