Steve Cortes, President of the League of American Workers, has said that Generation Z is frustrated with the direction of the country and the failure of major institutions to deliver tangible results. He says young Americans want action rather than slogans.
"They're not leftists, they're angry, and they're not wrong," said Cortes. "These labels, they don't mean much to them, and why would they? They want results, not slogans. Gen Z, especially Gen Z men, they're going to save this country."
Cortes' comments come amid ongoing debates over the political leanings of Generation Z, a cohort shaped by economic volatility, social disruption, and declining confidence in major institutions. According to Pew Research, young Americans express deep dissatisfaction with government, media, and corporate power, though their ideological identification remains fluid. Cortes frames this sentiment not as a leftward drift but as a demand for authenticity and accountability from leaders. His remarks fit into a broader national discussion about youth engagement.
According to Gallup, Gen Z voters exhibit some of the lowest levels of trust in U.S. institutions. Recent national data highlights that the majority of young adults report skepticism toward federal agencies, news outlets, and higher education leadership. Their attitudes often diverge sharply from older generations, reflecting distinct economic and cultural experiences shaped by the 2008 recession, pandemic-era policies, and rapid technological change. These trends help explain the rising appeal of anti-establishment messages.
Economic pressures remain a defining concern for Gen Z. According to Bankrate, young adults face higher housing costs, slower wealth accumulation, and elevated financial stress compared with previous generations at the same age. Analysts note that these factors contribute to political volatility and distrust toward traditional policy prescriptions. The generation’s economic outlook is influenced by inflation, wage stagnation, and limited entry-level opportunities, prompting growing interest in leaders who promise structural reform or practical solutions.
Cortes serves as Founder and President of the League of American Workers and is also a senior political advisor to CatholicVote. He previously held roles as a senior advisor to President Trump and JD Vance and has been a commentator for Fox News and CNN. Additionally, he regularly publishes documentaries and columns on cortesinvestigates.com.
