Written by Michael Anderson.

This morning on “Morning Joe,” things took an unexpected turn when Scott Galloway came on to promote his new book. Instead of the usual chat, Galloway delivered some real talk about the tough economic realities young people face today. For possibly the first time on mainstream media, a guest pushed aside the usual “work harder” mantra to lay out some hard truths: the American dream that promised progress from one generation to the next isn’t holding up for many.

Galloway didn’t just throw out opinions; he backed them up with stark shifts in life benchmarks. He pointed out that at 30, many in the current generation aren’t nearly as well off as their parents were at the same age. This isn’t just a hiccup; it’s a sign of a deep crack in what used to be a pretty solid agreement of progress and prosperity. He highlighted some pretty telling stats: back in 1990, 60% of 30-34-year-olds had at least one child, but now, that number’s plummeted to just 27%. This drop signals a broader retreat—a generation pulling back from established norms, unsure about their futures and the legacies they might leave behind.

Young Adults Feeling the Economic Pinch

Galloway painted a picture of an economic landscape that’s become much tougher for young folks. He talked about a worrying trend: the pool of economically and emotionally stable men is dwindling, leading to fewer families being started and a growing sense of despair among young Americans. This isn’t just about failing to meet old societal markers; it’s about a fundamental shift in how young people see their future in a country that doesn’t seem to want them to succeed.

And while Galloway’s views on the value of college education might spark some debates—he hinted that maybe too many people are going to college—the main thrust of his message hit hard. He talked about how the housing market has become almost impenetrable for many young people, with prices that keep climbing out of reach and a system that feels like it’s rigged in favor of those who are already set. He described a society that’s essentially mortgaging its future on the backs of its youth, boosting the wealth of older generations at the expense of the next. It’s a tough look at a system that once helped wealth flow from one generation to the next but now seems to be hoisting up the drawbridge.

Our Take

Scott Galloway’s candid discussion on “Morning Joe” today struck at the heart of a critical issue—the growing doubt many young Americans have about their economic futures. This isn’t a matter of entitlement or unwillingness to work hard. It’s about recognizing that the foundational structures that supported previous generations are crumbling. Our conservative principles champion hard work, but they also demand fairness and opportunity. Moving forward, our focus shouldn’t be solely on pushing individuals to work harder but on reforming the systems to provide real opportunities for prosperity to everyone. It’s about recalibrating our strategies to ensure that the American promise is inclusive, offering everyone a fair shot, not just those who already have a leg up. Making sure all Americans feel they have a stake in their future isn’t just sound politics; it’s crucial for maintaining the fabric of our society.