After Latino voters moved to President Donald Trump in November, a new, detailed investigation into the demographic shows that their support for him may be broken.
His favor among Latinos has fallen, especially among independents and women, according to a new poll conducted by Latinos groups throughout the president’s first months and commissioned by the SOMOS Awards, a democratic trend group focusing on Latinos.
Among the independents, Trump’s approval fell from 43% in February to 29% in May. Overall, his approval of Latinos fell from 43% to 39%. The poll surveyed 800 Hispanic/Latinx registered voters nationwide between May 8th and May 18th, with an error of either positive or negative 3.5%.
Latinos surveyed were also increasingly negative about Trump’s treatment of the economy, with only 38% of those surveyed viewing positively. Among independents, that figure fell to 26% and among women at 30%.
“These numbers make a pretty clear story that not only is (Trump’s economic) trust steady, but it’s also a big responsibility for the president right away,” said President Melissa Morales, who said Trump’s profits among Latinos were largely due to his promise to create a better economy.
Fifty-six percent of those surveyed said the economy is deteriorating under the Trump administration, while 19 percent said the economy is improving.
“I think there are a lot of Latinos who don’t necessarily vote for Donald Trump. They voted for change,” Morales said. “They voted for something different than what they were experiencing in their everyday economic life.”
Republicans continue to wager Hispanic and Latino voters will continue to support them in the medium term following Trump’s invasion. On Monday, the National Republican Congressional Committee launched a Spanish advertising campaign targeting eight House Democrats.
Republicans point to Trump’s progress with this voting block and specific benefits in several majority Hispanic home districts. When Republicans announced their goals, NRCC chair Rep. Richard Hudson (RN.C.) pleaded directly with Hispanic voters during the cable appearance.
“Hispanic voters. I want to vote,” Hudson said at the time. “We share your values. Our policy will improve your life.”
The SOMOS author said messaging has not landed so far.
“There is a huge disconnect between Hispanic/Latin voters want their focus to be on the president and Congress and what they believe Trump and Republicans are doing,” said a memo shared with Pauling.
