Staff Reports
Generation X, often overlooked and underestimated, has finally made a significant political statement that could reshape the future of the nation. After years of watching both Baby Boomers and Millennials steer the ship, this distinctive group of voters stepped into the spotlight in 2024 to ensure that Donald Trump returned to the White House.
Defining Generation X as those born between 1965 and 1980, it becomes clear that they are voters faced with pre-retirement concerns who have a vested interest in economic stability. This demographic sees firsthand the struggles their adult children face in a society that increasingly prioritizes identity politics over substantial economic opportunities. As the “latchkey kids” of the late 20th century, they are well aware of the grit required to thrive in a world that often seems bent on squandering potential.
It was young patriots like these that played a huge role in Trump’s massive victory! pic.twitter.com/0RTd40fWy3
— The Typical Liberal #1 In Exposing Liberal Lies (@the_typical_lib) November 7, 2024
Often referred to as the “baby bust” generation, Gen Xers faced declines in birth rates during their formative years largely due to the advent of the birth control pill. With fewer members than their Baby Boomer predecessors and the subsequent Gen Y and Z, this generation often gets left out of discussions about political influence. Traditionally, they have not constituted a powerful voting bloc, often watching their contemporaries like Marco Rubio, Nikki Haley, and Ted Cruz fall short in primary contests against Baby Boomers like Trump. Gen Xers, accustomed to being the underdogs, finally decided this year that enough was enough.
The 2024 election saw prominent figures like Elon Musk and Joe Rogan rallying behind Trump, showcasing the generational shift in support. They, like many in Generation X, yearn for a return to civility and stability, recognizing that recent leftist policies have brought chaos rather than progress. Their support of Trump and his Millennial running mate, JD Vance, underscores a collective yearning for a return to a more prosperous and coherent America.
Exit polls paint a dramatic picture of this shift in sentiment. Among voters aged 45 to 64, Trump garnered 53% of the vote compared to 45% for Kamala Harris, a notable increase from the narrow margin observed in 2020. Gone are the days when younger generations held sway; this time, Gen X made it clear they were ready to rock the boat. They offered candid feedback on their motivations, expressing a sense of being pushed to the limit and feeling responsible for cleaning up the mess left by older generations.
With three straightforward rules that encapsulate their beliefs—don’t lie, don’t mess with loved ones, and don’t interfere with their livelihoods—Gen X has awakened to the reality that the left has overreached. Their frustration boiled over after years of perceived neglect and mismanagement under leftist ideology, leading them to respond decisively at the polls. Small in number but considerable in resolve, Generation X has shown that they are not to be underestimated. As they embrace their newfound political power, it remains to be seen whether they will leverage their influence to become a valued voting bloc, but one thing is clear: these latchkey kids know how to make their voices heard when it counts.
