We Ask Kids How Trump is Doing: A Unique Perspective on Politics

In the political arena, we often hear opinions from analysts, politicians, and adults who follow 

current events closely. But what happens when we ask kids how they think Donald Trump is 

doing? Their perspectives offer a fresh, unfiltered, and often surprising take on political 

discourse. This article delves into the responses of children on Trump’s presidency, revealing 

their thoughts, concerns, and hopes. Let's explore what kids really think about one of the most 

polarizing figures in modern politics.

1. The Innocence of Youth: Why Ask Kids About Politics?

Children are typically perceived as being detached from the complexities of politics. However, 

they are not entirely insulated from the political climate around them. They hear their parents 

discussing politics, see news clips, and may even experience the effects of policies in their 

schools and communities. Asking children about politics provides insights into:

• Understanding Political Communication: How children interpret and discuss politics reflects the communication styles of adults around them.
• Highlighting Family Influence: Kids often echo the political views of their parents or guardians, showcasing the impact of family opinions on young minds.
• Revealing Social Perceptions: Their responses can indicate how certain political figures and issues are perceived in society at large.

Through their eyes, we get a glimpse of how political discourse trickles down into the next 

generation.

2. The Setting: How We Asked Kids About Trump

To get an authentic sense of what kids think, we conducted interviews with children aged 7 to 

14 from diverse backgrounds. They were asked simple, open-ended questions such as:

• "What do you know about Donald Trump?"
• "Do you think he is doing a good job as president? Why or why not?"
• "What would you do if you were president?"

Their responses were both enlightening and amusing, providing a unique view of how young 

minds process complex political figures.

3. What Kids Know About Trump

Children’s understanding of Donald Trump varies greatly, depending on their age and exposure 

to political conversations. Here are some common themes that emerged:

• The Celebrity Factor: Many children were aware of Trump’s history as a television personality. Some remembered him from "The Apprentice" and associated him more with entertainment than politics.
• The Businessman Image: Older children recognized Trump as a businessman. They were aware of his wealth and real estate ventures, often citing his hotels and skyscrapers.
• The Controversies: Even younger kids had picked up on some controversies. They mentioned things they had heard about the wall with Mexico, his comments on social media, or how he is often in the news for “arguing with people.”

4. Mixed Reviews: Kids’ Opinions on Trump’s Performance

Children’s opinions on Trump’s performance were diverse and reflective of their home 

environments. Some key patterns include:

• Supportive Voices: A number of kids believed Trump was doing a good job, often because they heard positive remarks from their parents. These children praised his business acumen and efforts to improve the economy, even if they couldn’t fully articulate how.
• Critical Voices: Other kids were critical, echoing concerns they likely heard from adults. They mentioned issues like “he doesn’t seem very nice” or “he should not argue so much.” One child said, “My mom says he should listen more to other people and not just do what he wants.”
• Neutral or Confused Opinions: Many kids were uncertain or neutral, indicating they were still forming their views. They expressed confusion about why people disagreed so strongly about Trump, with one child asking, “Why do grown-ups fight so much about him?”

5. Concerns and Hopes: What Kids Worry About

When it came to discussing Trump’s policies or actions, children voiced concerns that were 

often reflective of broader societal worries:

• Immigration and the Wall: Several kids mentioned Trump’s stance on immigration and the wall on the southern border. A few expressed concern over what would happen to children separated from their families, showing empathy and a desire for humane treatment.
• Environmental Issues: Some children talked about Trump’s stance on climate change, often reflecting fears about global warming and pollution. They expressed hope that the government would do more to protect animals and the planet.
• Social Division: A recurring theme was the concern over division and conflict. Children, sensitive to hostility and disagreement, expressed a desire for leaders to be more kind and to foster unity.

6. If I Were President: Kids’ Ideas for the Future

Asking kids what they would do if they were president yielded imaginative and heartfelt 

responses. Their ideas included:

• Making Schools Better: Many kids would focus on education, suggesting more fun activities, less homework, and better resources for learning.
• Helping the Poor: Compassionate responses included helping homeless people, providing more food to those in need, and ensuring everyone has a home.
• Environmental Protection: A number of children were passionate about protecting nature. They suggested planting more trees, reducing pollution, and even inventing new technology to clean up the oceans.
• Ending Conflict: Reflecting on the discord they perceive in politics, kids wanted to “make people get along” and “stop the fighting.”

These responses show that, despite their limited understanding of politics, children have a 

strong sense of empathy and a clear vision of a better, more cooperative world.

7. The Role of Media and Education in Shaping Opinions

Kids form their opinions based on what they see and hear, but how much is this shaped by 

media and education? We explored the sources of their knowledge:

• Media Exposure: Children often get their information indirectly from news snippets, family discussions, and social media. The portrayal of Trump in these mediums greatly influences their perceptions.
• School Influence: While schools generally avoid political discourse, current events do come up. Some children mentioned learning about Trump in the context of civics or history lessons.
• Parental Guidance: The strongest influence by far was parental opinion. Kids from politically active families tended to have more defined opinions, reflecting their parents' views almost verbatim.

This highlights the importance of providing balanced and age-appropriate information to 

children, allowing them to develop their own understanding over time.

8. The Bigger Picture: Why Children’s Opinions Matter

You might wonder, why do children’s opinions on Trump matter at all? While they may not vote, 

they represent the next generation of citizens. Their current perceptions will shape how they 

engage with politics as they grow older. Understanding their views can:

• Provide Insight into Family and Social Dynamics: Kids’ opinions mirror societal attitudes and the information they are exposed to at home.
• Indicate the Effectiveness of Political Communication: How well are political messages reaching and resonating with young audiences? This can guide strategies for more effective civic education.
• Highlight Areas for Education and Discussion: Knowing what children are confused about or concerned with can help parents and educators address these topics thoughtfully.

9. Moving Forward: Engaging Kids in Positive Political Conversations

Given their curiosity and openness, how can we engage children in political conversations 

constructively?

• Encourage Questions: Invite kids to ask questions and explore answers together. This helps them think critically and form their own opinions.
• Model Respectful Dialogue: Demonstrate how to discuss differing views respectfully, focusing on listening and understanding rather than arguing.
• Provide Context: When discussing political figures or issues, offer context and avoid overly complex jargon. Relate topics to their lives in ways they can understand.

These strategies can foster a generation that is more informed, empathetic, and engaged in civic life.

10. Conclusion: A Glimpse Into the Future

Asking kids how Trump is doing reveals not just their thoughts on a single political figure but 

also provides a window into the values and concerns of the next generation. Their responses 

remind us of the importance of empathy, clarity, and openness in political discourse. They 

may not fully grasp the intricacies of governance, but they have a clear sense of right and 

wrong and a desire for a kinder, more united world.

Listening to their voices today can guide us in creating a more positive political environment 

for the future, one where tomorrow’s leaders are shaped by thoughtful, respectful, and 

informed discussions.