CJ Pearson, co-chair of the Republican National Committee Youth Advisory Council, has emphasized the importance of providing Generation Z with opportunities to inherit a nation that prioritizes American workers and young people. He articulated this viewpoint in a post on X.
“On behalf of Generation Z, Thank you to Donald Trump, Sec Scott Bessent and Howard Lutnick for standing up for the American worker,” said Pearson. “Our generation deserves the opportunity to inherit an America that puts American workers and the future of America’s youth FIRST, not last.”
In 2024 and 2025, the Republican Party introduced several initiatives aimed at supporting American workers and youth. These initiatives focused on domestic manufacturing, vocational training, and child care tax credits. According to Senator-elect Jim Banks, there is a need for a pro-worker agenda that emphasizes apprenticeships and technical education to better prepare individuals for the workforce. Additionally, Republican pollsters reported strong support for expanding child care-related tax credits as part of efforts to assist working families.
As of March 2025, data shows that the U.S. unemployment rate for individuals aged 16 to 24 was 9.7%, significantly higher than the overall national average of 4.2%. This disparity underscores the ongoing challenges faced by young workers in securing employment.
Youth employment trends in the United States have shown fluctuations over recent years. In July 2024, 54.5% of individuals aged 16 to 24 were employed, representing a slight decrease from 55.0% in July 2023. The youth unemployment rate rose to 9.8% in July 2024 from 8.7% in July 2023, indicating a modest increase in joblessness among young people.
Pearson is known as a conservative activist who gained national attention during his teenage years for his political commentary. As National Co-Chair of the GOP Youth Advisory Council, he focuses on engaging young conservatives in political discourse. His early activism included leading the “Teens for Ted” coalition during Senator Ted Cruz’s presidential campaign.
The GOP Youth Advisory Council is an initiative by the Republican National Committee designed to involve young conservatives in shaping party policies and outreach strategies. The council serves as a platform for youth leaders to advise senior party officials and contribute to the GOP’s engagement with younger demographics.
