Hispanic voters, who were instrumental in Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election, are now expressing growing dissatisfaction with his administration, primarily over economic issues, according to recent polling and voter interviews. This shift in sentiment poses a potential challenge for Republicans ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
In the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump achieved a historic level of support from Latino voters, with 46% backing him, the highest for any Republican candidate. This shift was largely driven by economic discontent during the Biden administration, as many Latino voters cited high prices and a struggling economy as key factors in their decision.
However, one year into Trump’s term, new polling from CBS News indicates a significant decline in his approval among Latinos. Support has fallen to 38%, down from a peak of 49% in early February 2025, shortly after his inauguration. This drop suggests that initial optimism is waning as economic realities set in.
Economic concerns remain paramount for Latino voters. The CBS poll reveals that 61% disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, and 69% disapprove of his approach to inflation. Many voters judge the economy through everyday prices, which have not decreased as promised, with inflation holding at 2.7% in December, above the Federal Reserve’s target.
Voter testimonials from across the country echo these sentiments. For instance, Moses Santana in North Philadelphia noted that low-income families are feeling the pinch of rising costs, while John Acevedo in California expressed disappointment that prices haven’t come down. Even supporters like Amanda Garcia in Texas acknowledge market disruptions from Trump’s tariff policies.
Immigration enforcement is another contentious issue. Trump’s administration has conducted widespread ICE raids and deported over 600,000 people since January 2024. While some Latinos support these measures to protect jobs for legal residents, others, like Rebeca Perez in Oxnard, California, criticize them for creating fear and wasting agricultural produce.
Political strategist Mike Madrid observes that Latino voters have “completely turned” on Trump over the economy, mirroring the dynamic that hurt Democrats in 2024. He notes that Latinos have weak partisan ties and can swing based on performance, posing a challenge for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections.
Despite the criticism, some Latino supporters remain loyal, citing Trump’s efforts on border security and economic initiatives. Lydia Dominguez in Las Vegas praised the administration for attracting companies to the U.S., though she acknowledged ongoing economic difficulties.
Looking ahead, the declining support among Latinos could impact the 2026 midterms, where Republicans will need to maintain their coalition. Both parties face the task of addressing the economic concerns of this pivotal voter bloc to secure their future electoral success.
