Gen Z voters attending Trump’s rally in Pittsburgh primarily identified the economy as the most important issue for them. Ryan Jones, a 21-year-old student at the University of Pittsburgh, expressed support for Trump’s proposal to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime. Jones believed that this policy would have helped him save more money for college when he worked jobs that earned money through tips in high school. He noted that while many of his classmates are not voting for Trump, his friends from Butler County are backing him.
Similarly, 18-year-old Kaeli Bennett mentioned that she aspires to own a home and found housing to be more affordable during the Trump administration. Bennett emphasized the importance of lower housing prices for young homebuyers like herself who hope to start a family at an affordable cost in the future. On the other hand, 19-year-old Matthew Lonergan contrasted the economy under Trump with that under Biden, describing the difference as “night and day.” He claimed that Biden and Harris did not positively impact the country and that Trump was more beneficial.
Lonergan also stated that Trump’s alignment with his Catholic faith contributed to his decision to vote for the former president. As a Catholic, he felt that Trump supported Jesus Christ, which resonated with his faith. The rally in Pittsburgh took place near Duquesne University, a Catholic college, further emphasizing the connection between Trump’s policies and the Catholic community. Another 20-year-old attendee, Jenna Pindrock, identified as Catholic and “pro-life.” She noted that some of her Catholic friends were initially undecided but were put off by Harris telling anti-abortion-rights protesters that they were at the wrong rally.
Overall, the Gen Z voters at the rally highlighted the importance of the economy and its impact on their future prospects. From lower taxes on tips and overtime to affordable housing prices, these young voters believed that Trump’s policies had positively influenced their personal financial situations. Additionally, the alignment with their Catholic faith was a significant factor for some attendees, such as Lonergan and Pindrock, in deciding to support Trump. The rally not only showcased the diverse reasons behind Gen Z voters’ support for Trump but also underscored the influence of faith and economic issues in shaping their political preferences.
