Donald Trump is expected to leave the political stage in 2028, and the influence of Gen Z—those born roughly between 1997 and 2012—on the future of American politics remains a key question. Many Gen Z individuals were children during Trump’s first presidential campaign in 2016, and they are now emerging as a powerful and independent voting bloc. According to a survey by Murmuration, nearly 30 percent of Gen Z respondents identified as "none of the above" when asked about their political label, highlighting their resistance to traditional party affiliations. Additionally, many in this age group face economic uncertainty, with only 28 percent of those aged 18 to 30 saying they could cover an unexpected $500 expense. They also showed the largest gender gap in the 2024 election, with young women strongly supporting Democratic candidate Kamala Harris over their male counterparts by 17 percentage points. Gen Z researcher Rachel Janfaza explains that the generation is not monolithic and can be divided into two distinct groups. Gen Z 1.0, those aged 22 to 29, came of age during Trump’s first term, a time of significant political and social change. This group was heavily involved in youth-led activism, reacting to policies and inaction from the Trump administration. In contrast, Gen Z 2.0, those under 22, grew up during the Biden era, shaped by the aftermath of the pandemic. Their experiences with school reopenings, mask mandates, and vaccine requirements in Democratic-controlled areas led to a general distrust of authority and a move away from both major political parties. Janfaza notes that this group is not necessarily turning to the Republican Party but is instead rejecting labels and institutions that define traditional politics. The gender gap in political preferences was a major factor in the 2024 election. Young women were deeply concerned about issues like bodily autonomy and reproductive rights, which they felt were under threat. In contrast, young men, while aware of these issues, did not see them as directly impacting their lives. This divide, Janfaza explains, was exacerbated by social movements like #MeToo and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which pushed many young women further to the left. The Trump era also played a role, with his rhetoric and actions often alienating young women, creating a sense of solidarity among them that was less present among young men. Despite the significant gender gap observed in 2024, Janfaza suggests that the divide may be shifting. Many young people now express a desire to move beyond gendered political divides. A new set of issues—such as the economy and artificial intelligence—are uniting Gen Z across gender lines, as these topics affect everyone. Janfaza notes that the earlier focus on gendered issues was partly manufactured by political figures and media narratives, which framed the 2024 election as a battle between a man and a woman. Now, with shared concerns about the future of work, technology, and economic stability, there is a growing appetite for a less divisive and more hopeful political landscape. Gen Z, she says, is "hope-maxxing"—seeking a future that is not defined by the toxic divisions of the Trump era but instead offers a path toward unity and collective action.