A Gen Z conservative argues that his generation is not lost to the movement but seeks policies tackling economic hurdles like housing and student loans. Jake Matthews, in an op-ed, contrasts experiences under Trump and Biden administrations to highlight frustrations with a 'rigged' system. He calls for reforms that promote stability, responsibility, and family values without blanket forgiveness or lectures.
Jake Matthews, a communications manager at The Heritage Foundation, writes that assumptions portraying Gen Z as 'too cynical, too progressive, or just too far gone' for conservatism are misguided. Instead, 'Gen Z isn’t rejecting America; we’re demanding that it work again,' he states, emphasizing issues central to young lives.
Matthews recalls Gen Z's formative years during Donald Trump's first term, marked by a 'strong economy, interest rates that opened the door to homeownership, an end to forever wars, and a return to policies that prioritized the family.' In contrast, under Joe Biden, 'millions of young Americans graduated college and took entry-level jobs that barely covered their student loan payments, even as the cost of everything rose faster than their paychecks.' This has left peers feeling the system is 'rigged against them,' not opposed to tradition or responsibility.
On homeownership, he points to 'sky-high rents,' zoning restrictions, and inflation from 'reckless federal spending' pricing youth out. Conservatives, he urges, should push reforms easing home building and wealth accumulation.
Regarding student debt, inherited rather than invented by Gen Z, Matthews notes the federal loan system's flaws in enabling 'six-figure contracts' for teenagers while protecting universities. He opposes 'blanket loan forgiveness' but advocates ending government as a 'blank-check lender,' promoting apprenticeships, and increasing university accountability.
Surprisingly, Gen Z shows 'renewed interest in traditional family values,' viewing marriage and children as 'central to' fulfillment amid recent instability. Policies should support families through better economies, fairer taxes, and cultural affirmation of commitment, Matthews concludes, positioning conservatism to meet these needs for a generation 'open, skeptical, and looking for answers.'
