MIG Reports identifies there is a significant divide in the perception of Trump among Generation Z voters. Some are staunch supporters of Trump, frequently using the hashtag #MAGA (Make America Great Again). This group sees him as a victim of leftist and liberal bias.
Gen Z often expresses frustration with the ongoing legal trials and perceive them as political witch hunts orchestrated by liberals and communists to undermine Trump’s credibility and popular support. They are also opposed to media outlets they believe are biased against Trump, accusing them of spreading lies and misinformation about the former president.
Many Gen Z voters believe the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas conflicts wouldn't have happened under Trump's leadership. They say Trump's stronger stance on foreign policy would have deterred such actions. These voters also seem to believe Biden's administration is weaker in comparison and this has led to an emboldening of U.S adversaries across the board. They also say Biden has allowed heightened tensions across the world and worsening economic markets.
Trump supporters among Gen Z express strong dissatisfaction towards Biden, with many accusing him of crimes, decrying his handling of global issues, and critiquing his performance at the State of the Union address. They also express support for Trump, with some suggesting he would do a better job at handling the country's issues.
A recent Harvard Poll shows President Biden continuing to struggle with young voters. The survey showed Biden holding a 45% to 37% lead over former President Trump among all 18- to 29-year-olds, with 16% undecided. The survey also highlighted that at this point in the 2020, Biden polled at 51% to Trump’s 28% among young voters, which corroborates MIG Reports evidence that Biden is losing sway with Gen Z and younger Millennials.
Biden’s Gen Z supporters often voice concerns about Trump returning to the White House and the impact this could have on the country. However, some express exasperation at the continued focus on Trump, accusing the messaging of “living rent-free" in people's heads.
It seems many Gen Z voters are becoming highly critical of Biden's performance. This could potentially indicate that Trump is gaining traction with this demographic. The reasons range from perceived failures in Biden’s policy decisions, alleged criminal activities, and a general dissatisfaction with his leadership.
Support for Biden among young voters seems to be less vocal, with much of the conversation focusing instead on criticisms of Trump. It is also noteworthy that some Gen Z voters express disillusionment with both major political parties and the current state of American politics. They seem to be searching for truth and fairness amidst what they perceive to be a highly polarized and partisan political environment.
Recent accusations of biased reporting against National Public Radio (NPR) have stirred up public resentment and calls for defunding. After veteran journalist Uri Berliner published an article with The Free Press chastising NPR for its unsupportable liberal bias, his subsequent suspension and resignation created controversy online.
Many discussions center around the belief that NPR, along with other mainstream media outlets, display a significant left-wing bias. People, including Berliner, argue NPR prioritizes a leftist agenda over objective journalism, contributing to polarization and distrust. This bias is perceived in the choice of stories covered, the framing of news narratives, and the selection of sources or experts for interviews.
Liberals tend to be more supportive, but some still have criticisms. They suggest NPR's bias is not so much a partisan issue but rather a reflection of the organization's commitment to "well-meaning liberal feel-good" coverage. They argue NPR is sometimes "wimpy" in its reporting and works hard not to offend anyone.
Disconcerting Comments from NPR’s CEO
There are heated debates around NPR's leadership, particularly the new CEO Katherine Maher. Critics argue her views undermine the objective pursuit of truth and threaten freedom of speech.
Berliner himself said in his resignation statement that her leadership “confirm the very problems” of leftist bias. Others like author Chris Rufo have exposed past comments from Maher, betraying her as an apparent leftist devotee. These discussions among journalists online have also generated public awareness and backlash.
EXCLUSIVE: Katherine Maher doesn't just want to "stamp out bad information" on the internet. She wants to replace it with "good information"—i.e., left-wing narratives—and force the public to "sit within that good information" as "a collective."
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) April 18, 2024
Maher’s defenders praise her leadership skills and commitment to transparency, brushing aside accusations of clear partisan loyalty. Many critics cite her past work with Wikipedia, tweets and posts stumping for Joe Biden, and clear cut liberal perspectives on identity politics, censorship, and the First Amendment.
Taxpayer Dollars Supporting Left-Wing Media
NPR's public funding is a contentious issue. Critics argue taxpayer money should not be used to fund a platform that is being exposed as biased and propagandist. They argue for defunding NPR, asserting it should be privately funded like other media outlets.
Criticisms of taxation and government spending amid other pressing issues like a struggling economy and benefits for illegal aliens seems to exacerbate negativity toward public funding for NPR. While Americans struggle to make ends meet, many seem appalled and indignant about tax dollars being spent to support outlets like NPR.
Overarching Distrust of American Media
The issue of bias in NPR's reporting is not isolated but is part of a broader conversation about media bias in the United States. Americans are increasingly polarized in their perceptions of media bias, with many believing most news outlets have a political bias. This has rapidly eroded trust in mainstream media and spurred an increasing reliance on alternative news sources.
Online discussions also suggest Americans believe mainstream media actively supports the current administration and various Democrat political figures. Many of these discussions accuse the media and Democrats of lying and coordinating to push messaging for Democrat politicians.
Many accuse NPR and other outlets of being a propaganda arm for the Democratic Party, saying their views are dismissed and unrepresented. Some also direct personal attacks at various media figures like Katherine Maher, Rachel Maddow, and Don Lemon.
There is also discussion about a 2014 Pew Research Center study which found that NPR's audience skews liberal, with 67% identifying as left-leaning while only 21% identifying as right-leaning. Many commentors say even these percentages fail to capture the true composition of NPR’s left leaning audience.
Overall, many Americans view the resignation of Uri Berliner as indicative of a larger trend of liberal bias in media organizations.
On April 16, 1,300 illegal immigrants lined up outside City Hall in New York City expecting green cards to be handed out. The event occurred due to confusion, as the migrants are ineligible for green cards (an immigration benefit). Millions of illegal immigrants from dozens of ethnicities and backgrounds have entered the U.S. since 2021. This makes it difficult for unregulated NGOs with limited capabilities to convey messaging to everyone. With the ongoing border crisis, it’s likely events like these may continue and potentially worsen.
MIG Reports analysis reveals a divided but shifting political. Opinions also differ within racial and economic groups. Generally, voters’ views align with the broader national debate on immigration—a topic that has become increasingly polarized during the Biden administration.
Democrats, who generally support more inclusive immigration policies, seem to be less critical of the migrants seeking green cards. However, some expressed concerns about the practicality of completely open borders, yet also question what it would mean to “close” the border. They note many people cross for legal reasons. Despite this, the overall sentiment among Democrats is one of understanding and empathy for the migrants' plight.
Republicans use stronger language, referring to the situation as an “invasion” and calling for militarization of the border. They express frustration at the Biden administration's immigration policies and accuse them of incompetence and malfeasance. They also convey outrage about the perceived misuse of taxpayer money, arguing it should be used to address the southern border instead of funding foreign nations.
On April 16, following the migrants in NYC seeking free immigration benefits, Immigration discussions online surpassed Border Security discussion volume. This is anomalous as Border Security typically generates more mentions.
Further analysis reveals a shift in Latino voting patterns towards alignment with white, non-Hispanic blue-collar workers, a group traditionally associated with Republican voting. This could suggest a change in sentiment among legal immigrants towards tougher immigration policies.
Economic class also plays a role in shaping sentiments. Those expressing frustration at the misuse of taxpayer money often belong to the middle class. They express feeling the burden of taxes and the impact of national debt. In addition, many calling for increased border security are among the growing lower economic classes, possibly perceiving immigrants as a threat to their jobs or resources.
The general sentiment towards immigration during the Biden administration has been mixed, with political, racial, and economic factors playing a significant role in shaping public opinion. Recent events underscore the complexity of the immigration debate, growing economic concerns, and the current state of distrust and anger within the American public.
Following A15 pro-Palestine protests which shut down bridges, airport traffic, and caused chaos in the streets, Americans are discussing disparate law enforcement responses. In places like California and New York, many people feel the police did little to uphold the rule of law. These optics are a sharp contrast to how police dealt with protesters in Florida where arrests were made, and protests quickly dispersed.
Much of the conversation is divided along partisan lines with more liberal and Democratic voters advocating for the protesters’ rights. Those on the right or moderates who value rule of law tend to voice support for the decisive response from law enforcement in red states like Florida.
Sentiment toward protests on April 15 dropped in Florida to 31% from 43% the day before.
In California, protest sentiment increased from 38% prior to April 15, to 40%, suggesting more support for the A15 protests.
Palestine sentiment also decreased in Florida on April 15 and increased in California.
Backlash for Senator Cotton’s Tweet
A tweet from Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton has also sparked discussion about the prudence of civilian action to deal with protesters. Some people called his tweet a tongue-in-cheek call to vigilante action against protesters. Many others, however, took umbrage with the tweet.
I encourage people who get stuck behind the pro-Hamas mobs blocking traffic: take matters into your own hands to get them out of the way.
Much of the negative response and disapproval toward Cotton's message came from liberals and progressives who claimed he was calling for violence. Some even went as far as calling for his resignation or even imprisonment.
This group accused him of inciting violence and promoting vigilantism against peaceful protesters. Some use strong language to describe their disgust, calling him a "disgrace" and stating he belongs in prison.
There also seems to be a portion of right leaning voters who agree that blocking roads is inappropriate and potentially illegal, but they disagree with the notion of citizens taking drastic actions. This group cites examples like Kyle Rittenhouse and Daniel Penny who both “took matters into their own hands,” and faced severe legal consequences.
Many asked whether Cotton would be prepared to legally defend citizens who intervened, if progressive activists or politicized prosecutors came after them legally.
Other conservative and right leaning voters voiced agreement with Cotton. They said the right to protest does not grant the right to inconvenience others or block public thoroughfares. They argue protesters who do so should face severe consequences, including jail sentences.
Law Enforcement Response in Florida
There's a mix of reactions to pro-Palestinian protests in Florida disrupting traffic. Many express frustrations at the inconvenience, while others focus more on the rationale behind anti-Israel and anti-America demonstrations.
Many Floridians commend police actions and the law-and-order stance under Ron DeSantis's leadership, particularly in dealing with Pro-Hamas protesters. This group often contrasts the response of Florida law enforcement with that of police in New York, California, and other large cities in blue states.
Progressives tend to decry any arrest of pro-Palestine protesters. Some even compare DeSantis to Adolf Hitler, saying his leadership in Florida is authoritarian and racist. However, many of the voices criticizing Florida’s governance also seem to declare their unwillingness to live in or even travel to Florida.
Perceived Inaction by Police in New York and California
Many people online criticize law enforcement in San Francisco and New York City for being passive. They believe police stood by during disruptive protests and did nothing when demonstrators blocked roads and bridges. There is a sense of frustration over disruptions to travel and commerce, accusing the police of failing to maintain order.
There is also frequent criticism for protesters for causing inconvenience and potentially endangering public safety by roads. Many are particularly critical of pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel protests, accusing them of causing unnecessary disruption, insulting America, and burning American flags.
Some protest supporters and activists who were reacting to the Middle East conflict which now involves Iran, drew attention to police brutality, arguing police officers even in blue cities are too rough with peaceful protesters. This group criticizes those who they believe are more concerned with the disruption caused by protests than with the issue of police brutality itself.
Increasingly disruptive pro-Palestine protests are causing anger and frustration for most Americans. In San Francisco, anti-Israel protestors blocked the Golden Gate Bridge, causing an hours-long traffic disruption. At the same time, similar protests at the Seattle and Chicago airports severely inconvenienced travelers, preventing them from reaching departure terminals.
The protests have been met with severe negative reactions from many criticizing the danger and disruptions to uninvolved civilians and commerce. Online discussions revealed frustration and outrage from those who said protesters were potentially endangering children, emergency responders, or others urgently traveling.
Following Iran’s attack on Israel, support has dropped across the board for countries involved.
Palestine sentiment fell to a low of 37% in the last week, generating negativity with the protests.
Fewer people have been talking about Iran, but a spike in discussion coincided with a sentiment drop to 42%.
Pro-Palestine Messaging
Many of the protesters' messages were directed towards President Biden and other political leaders who show support for Israel. Protesters accuse American politicians of being too easily swayed by overseas interests – succumbing to Israel’s plight. Anti-Israel protesters accuse politicians of being puppets for a foreign power, while others expressed frustration at what they saw as a lack of independent thinking.
There have also been widespread protests involving burning American flags and chanting, “Death to America.” These protesters tend to be pro-Palestine activists of Middle Eastern descent, progressive Americans, and young people.
This group vehemently criticizes the Biden administration and Israel. They represent an increasingly divergent wing of the Democratic Party which is opposing historical Democrat support for Israel.
Disapproval Across the Board
Disapproval over the Biden administration’s handling of the ongoing conflict seems rampant on both sides of the political aisle.
Many American voters are concerned about the escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and other global powers. There are fears about the potential for a direct military confrontation between these nations, which could lead to a large-scale conflict or even World War III.
As mentioned, far left activists and progressives who support Palestine are intensely critical of Joe Biden for supporting Israel. More conservative voters and some moderate Democrats are unhappy with increasingly dangerous and incendiary pro-Palestine protests that threaten the rule of law.
Many everyday voters are reacting with hostility towards pro-Palestine protesters, particularly those chanting "Death to America." There are calls for these protesters to be deported, and they are seen as un-American.
Some also argue protestors who disrupt traffic or other public services should face criminal charges. They highlight the differences between law enforcement responses in places like New York and California, compared to Florida.
Right leaning voters frequently call recent protests acts of domestic terrorism, expressing a desire for anti-American demonstrators to leave the country.
Potential Consequences for Joe Biden
The Biden administration's response to these protests and the overarching conflict will likely influence voter perceptions in the 2024 presidential election. Many progressive Democrats are unhappy with Biden and have voted “Uncommitted” in Democratic primary races. Moderates and Independents may also feel uninspired to vote for Biden if protests continue to inconvenience travel or threaten public safety.
Progressive and leftist voters may also object to voting for Biden due to his perceived failure to protect human rights. This group argues America's continued support for Israel, despite alleged human rights violations, contradicts the administration's stated commitment to human rights.
The protests themselves may influence public opinion on the broader issue of civil liberties and the right to protest. Many voters have not forgotten the violence and vandalism of 2016 and 2020 protests, seeking to prevent similar situations.
Law enforcement responses may also influence voters who value the rule of law. If people perceive the Biden administration as failing to enforce the law or protect public safety, it could have severe negative consequences for his reelection.
Finally, the protests could also impact Biden's relations with key international partners, including Israel and Arab countries. His administration's response to these protests and the broader Israel-Palestine conflict could influence these relationships, potentially affecting his foreign policy credentials and public perception.
Overall, pro-Palestine protests likely present a significant challenge for Biden, with potential implications for his 2024 Presidential campaign. How he navigates this issue could impact his public image, his standing within the Democratic Party, his appeal to certain voter demographics, and his foreign policy credentials.
Recent conflict escalations between Iran and Israel have generated conversations among Americans about the U.S.'s position on the issue. Some Americans favor a more aggressive stance towards Iran, while others advocate for a balanced approach towards both countries.
Israeli Support vs. Iranian Support
Israel
Supporters tend to be older, Republican, and Christian.
There are also strong Israel supporters among Jewish liberals and Democrats.
Support for Israel is driven by a belief in shared democratic values, the historical alliance between the U.S. and Israel, and a sense of obligation to protect an ally from Iranian aggression. Supporters often highlight Israel's right to self-defense and the need for U.S. intervention. They also stress the importance of passing aid packages for Israel. This sentiment appears to be particularly strong among conservative and right-leaning individuals, as well as those of Christian faith who often express religious reasons for supporting Israel.
Iran
Supporters are generally younger, Democrats, and secular or Muslim.
This coincides with younger Americans being anti-Israeli and supporting Biden’s nuclear deal efforts with Iran.
Support for Iran appears to increase when the discussion centers around perceived Israeli aggression, the plight of Palestinians, and belief that Israel is in violation of international law. This perspective is often espoused by liberal-leaning Americans, many of whom criticize U.S. support for Israel. Much of this group has become increasingly involved in protests and gatherings to support Palestine. These individuals often cite Israel’s alleged violation of Iran’s sovereignty, such as the bombing of the Iranian consulate, as a reason for their empathy towards Iran.
Discussion Trends
U.S. Military Aid
One of the most common discussion trends concerns U.S. military aid to Israel. Many Americans express support for the aid, particularly in light of recent attacks from Iran. However, some criticize the U.S. for providing aid to Israel while not supporting other nations in conflict, such as Ukraine.
Accountability
There are calls for holding Iran accountable for its actions, with many Americans labeling Iran as a “terrorist nation.” On the other hand, some argue Israel also needs to be held accountable for its actions, accusing them of instigating the conflict.
Peace vs. War
A significant number of Americans advocate for peace in the Middle East. They express fatigue over the continued conflicts and call for an end to hostilities. However, there are also fears of potential escalation into a larger conflict, possibly leading to World War III.
Political Implications
The political implications of the Israel-Iran conflict are a hot topic. Some Americans criticize certain politicians for their stance on the issue, alleging that they are acting against the nation's interests. There are also concerns about the potential impact on U.S. relations with other countries, particularly Russia and China.
Economic Consequences
The economic consequences of the conflict, particularly the cost of military aid to Israel, are also a point of discussion. Some Americans express concerns about the sustainability of such expenditures in light of the U.S. debt situation.
American tech positions have been seeing continual decrease in job security going back to January 2023 when sizeable layoffs began. According to Boundless research, more than 300,000 tech workers have lost their job, despite an increase in H1-B visas for tech positions increasing year-over-year and a dropping denial rate under the Biden administration.
Views of the Tech Labor Market Among Demographic Groups
Political affiliation appears to play a significant role in how people perceive and discuss tech layoffs. Some Americans, particularly those who lean Republican, criticize President Joe Biden's administration for perceived failures related to job numbers and immigration. They argue the job numbers do not add up and suggest the administration's immigration policies are a contributing factor.
Others, who align more with the Democratic party, dispute these claims. They argue that immigration has not negatively impacted the economy and job numbers.
Age also seems to play a role in the discussions, with younger users expressing more pessimism about the job market. These voters often share personal experiences of struggling to find employment despite numerous applications. They argue the positive job reports do not reflect the reality on the ground, suggesting a disconnect between the official data and actual experience of job seekers.
Economic class is another significant factor in the conversation. Voters from lower economic classes express frustration and distress about financial struggles despite positive job reports. This suggests a dissatisfaction with the current economic situation. They criticize officials like Janet Yellen for allegedly being out of touch with the economic realities facing ordinary Americans.
What Influences Sentiment on Jobs
Sentiment regarding tech and other sector layoffs can increase or decrease due to various factors. Negative news about the tech industry, such as reports of mass layoffs or declining profits, can increase negative sentiment. Conversely, positive news, such as reports of job growth or increasing profits, can decrease negative sentiment and increase positive sentiment.
Sentiment towards tech layoffs seems to become more negative when people feel reported job numbers do not reflect their personal experiences or when they perceive government officials as being out of touch with the reality of job seekers. Conversely, sentiment appears more positive when job growth is reported, particularly when it points to continued economic strength. However, skepticism remains among some who question the accuracy of these reports.
MIG Reports analysis of what Americans are saying online about their tax returns reveals mixed sentiment, however, general dissatisfaction. Many taxpayers express frustration and confusion over the complex tax filing process. Some suggest the system is designed to benefit the wealthy and corporations over average citizens. While there is appreciation for the various resources and services available to assist with tax preparation, smaller tax returns this year, amid overarching economic concerns, diminish the overall mood during tax season.
Sentiment seems to vary by political affiliation. Republicans tend to have a more positive view of the tax return process, citing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 as beneficial for lowering tax rates and simplifying the process. This Trump-era Act was the only noticed bright spot throughout the online discussions. Democrats, on the other hand, feel the tax cuts disproportionately favor the wealthy and corporations, leading to a more negative sentiment.
As Tax Day approached, online conversations increased to their highest point in the tax season, while sentiment dropped to its lowest point.
Demographics
Economic classes play a role in shaping sentiment. Lower and middle-class taxpayers often express frustration over the perceived unfairness of the tax system, feeling that they shoulder a disproportionate burden. Wealthier taxpayers, while also expressing some dissatisfaction with the complexity of the tax process, generally show a more positive sentiment due to the financial benefits they receive from tax cuts. Although, in general all Americans seem concerned about the economy and maintaining their standard of living.
Age also affects sentiment towards tax returns. Older taxpayers, who are often more acquainted with the tax filing process, show less frustration compared to younger taxpayers who may be navigating the process for the first time. The sentiment among different racial groups seems to be mixed, with no clear patterns emerging.
Geographically, there is less sway in discourse and sentiment; however, taxpayers in states with higher state and local taxes, such as California and New York, express more dissatisfaction due to caps on state and local tax deductions.
Overall, while there are resources available to help Americans with their tax returns, sentiment leans negative, with calls for a simpler, more equitable tax system. There is also an undercurrent of concern that tax dollars are not being used efficiently.
Current conversations around the possibility of Trump's re-election among Democratic, left-leaning, and progressive voices reveal much concern, skepticism, and outright opposition. Rachel Maddow and other left-leaning commentators often criticize Trump's policies and leadership style, frequently discussing the potential implications and risks of a second Trump term. At the same time, they dismiss or redirect from problems with the Biden administration.
Much of the commentary class is focused on nebulous topics which are difficult to quantify or provide nuanced discourse on. Common discussions among leftists and progressives regarding a second Trump term typically center around perceived authoritarianism, isolationism, and abuses of power. There is a strong sentiment among progressives that a second Trump term would lead to the destruction of democratic norms and increased polarization.
Authoritarianism
Progressives fear authoritarianism if Trump is reelected. They fear a combative press relationship, disregard for checks and balances, and unilateral decision-making, warning a second term would escalate into a more authoritarian leadership style.
Isolationism
Progressives worry about Trump's isolationist foreign policy, claiming it strains alliances, undermines global cooperation on climate change, and empowers authoritarian regimes. They fear a second term would prolong or worsen these trends.
Abuses of Power
This group asserts Trump abused power in his first term, highlighting actions like firing FBI Director James Comey and attempting to manipulate the Justice Department against political foes.
FISA Concerns
There is fear Trump might misuse FISA to target domestic political opponents, risking civil liberties.
These concerns are sometimes shared among moderate Democrats and Independents, although the intensity of the concerns vary. There is a significant portion of moderate Democrats and Independents who appear to be more focused on other issues, or who might view these concerns as overly alarmist. Additionally, moderate Democrats and Independents might disagree with progressives on policy issues, even if they share some of the same concerns about a potential second Trump term.
MIG Reports analysis identifies that online discussions about Biden outweigh those of Trump. Despite this, Trump’s approval ratings are generally higher across issues important to voters. This showcases that establishment media’s messaging is not representative of the electorate or even the entire Democratic party.
Online commentary among left leaning voters also reveals dissatisfaction with the current political climate writ large. While many do criticize the conservative right, there is also dissatisfaction with what they see as the failures of both liberal and centrist Democrats. Some argue for a more radical, leftist approach to politics. Others express frustration at what they perceive as a lack of focus on key issues like economic inequality, healthcare, and the environment.
The Biden administration’s performance is another major focus of Democratic voter commentary. Some criticize Biden for his handling of the border crisis. Others accuse his administration of denying women the right to buy houses by allowing a significant increase in housing prices.
There is criticism directed towards Vice President Kamala Harris, with some suggesting she was chosen for her identity rather than her abilities or success.
Many left leaning and progressive voters are unhappy with the current tax system, expressing concerns about misuse of tax dollars. These voters are frustrated with how their tax money is being used, especially in terms of foreign aid and government spending. They suggest tax dollars are being squandered or misallocated, and express resentment over the perceived lack of benefits they are receiving in return for their taxes.
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