Amidst rising economic uncertainty and generational divides, it is no surprise that many in Gen Z are questioning the traditional notion of the American Dream.
For them, the dream of a stable job, homeownership, and financial independence feels increasingly elusive. But according to Vivek Ramaswamy, there is more to the story.
I can understand why Gen Z is skeptical of the American Dream: the job market feels impenetrable, home ownership feels out of reach, & free speech feels like an illusion when those you admire are assassinated for speaking peacefully. But don’t be cynical about our country,…
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) October 7, 2025
In a tweet shared ahead of his campus visit to Montana State University, Ramaswamy directly addressed the growing skepticism among young Americans.
‘Home ownership feels out of reach’
“I can understand why Gen Z is skeptical of the American Dream: The job market feels impenetrable, home ownership feels out of reach, and free speech feels like an illusion when those you admire are assassinated for speaking peacefully,” Ramaswamy wrote.
He further added, “free speech feels like an illusion when those you admire are assassinated for speaking peacefully. But don’t be cynical about our country, because there’s nowhere else to escape.
Build more homes to reduce the cost of housing; produce more energy to reduce the cost of electricity; spend less government $$ to reduce the cost of everything. “
For many Gen Zers, the traditional markers of success, getting a degree, landing a solid job, buying a house, feel increasingly out of touch with reality. Student debt is soaring, wages remain stagnant, and inflation has made everyday life more expensive.
“There’s a better way ahead,” he added. “We’ll talk about it tonight at Montana State as we round out Charlie’s planned campus tour.”
‘American dream is dead’
Netizens reacted to the post. A user wrote, ‘I think one major factor most on the right aren’t properly pricing in is the loss of trust Gen Z has in the constitution and the American institution after it failed against the tyranny of the COVID lockdowns. Many never walked, never went to prom, never played their sport.’
Another wrote, ‘American dream is dead.’
‘“There’s no where else to escape”? Not the best answer I’ve heard… and usually you’re bang on with your responses. Making people feel trapped is only going to fuel their nihilism. There are lots of places to go… all with pros and cons. Just depends on what kind of life you want to live and what your goals are. For those who are driven entrepreneurs bent on starting a billion dollar business (like yourself) America is the place to be. For the majority of others who are average people who just want a place to live, a family and an enjoyable lifestyle, there are loads of options,” added another
“It’s not just “build more houses”. You have to stop allowing corporations to gobble up entire neighborhoods, artificially driving up the costs, and stopping normal people from buying homes. A couple with a mortgage offer is going to lose to a corporation with a cash offer every time. Everyone has to rent because the corporations are buying all the starter homes,” added a user.