Trump’s Favorability Among Hispanic Voters Declines Significantly

Recent findings from an AP-NORC survey indicate a notable decline in President Donald Trump‘s favorability among Hispanic adults since the beginning of the year. The October poll reveals that only 25% of Hispanic adults view Trump favorably, a significant drop from 44% just before he began his second term. This shift signals potential challenges for Trump as he seeks to solidify support from a demographic that played a crucial role in his electoral success in 2024.

Several factors contribute to this decline. The survey indicates that the percentage of Hispanic adults believing the country is heading in the wrong direction has risen from 63% in March to 73% now, highlighting growing discontent with national issues. Economic concerns remain paramount for many in this community. Despite Trump’s assertions of economic recovery, the financial stress experienced by Hispanic adults surpasses that of the general population.

For instance, Alejandro Ochoa, a 30-year-old warehouse worker from Adelanto, California, expresses dissatisfaction with the current administration. Identifying as a Republican, Ochoa voted for Trump but now criticizes his policies, particularly budget cuts that have exacerbated economic pressures. He notes, “He was kind of relying on essentially the nostalgia of, ‘Hey, remember, before COVID? Things weren’t as expensive.’ But now it’s like, OK, you’re in office. I’m still getting done dirty at the grocery store.”

Shifts in Approval Ratings

The latest poll highlights a decline in approval ratings among Hispanic voters regarding Trump’s handling of crucial issues such as the economy and immigration. Approval for his overall performance has dropped from 41% in March to 27% currently. This is particularly concerning given that these areas were once considered strengths for his campaign.

In the previous election, 43% of Hispanic voters supported Trump, a rise from 35% in 2020. Yet, the current sentiments suggest that many Hispanic adults are reevaluating their support. The poll noted a decrease in approval regarding Trump’s immigration policies, especially as his administration intensifies its hardline stance, which has affected both low-wage and highly-skilled immigrant workers.

Fel Echandi, a behavioral specialist from Winter Haven, Florida, articulates the concerns surrounding immigration. He states that Trump’s policies instill fear within communities, adversely impacting local economies. “A lot of people rely on immigrants to do labor in certain areas,” he explains. “When that gets affected, all prices go up. Our food costs more because of the costs to get people to do that work.”

Generational Disparities and Future Implications

The poll also reveals a concerning trend among younger Hispanic voters and Hispanic men, two groups that had previously shown substantial support for Trump. Approximately two-thirds of Hispanic adults under the age of 45 now view Trump unfavorably, a rise from about half in September 2024. This shift could pose challenges for Trump’s campaign strategy moving forward.

Concerns about Trump’s second term are echoed by Teresa Covarrubias, a 65-year-old retired schoolteacher from Los Angeles. Covarrubias expresses her worries about Trump’s disregard for constitutional norms and the potential negative ramifications for social safety net programs. She notes, “My major concern is the disregard for the Constitution and the law, and then also the level of cronyism.”

The poll also underscores that immigration remains a significant issue for Hispanic adults. Approximately two-thirds prioritize it, compared to just 60% of white adults and about half of Black adults. Interestingly, only 25% of Hispanic adults support the deportation of all immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, a stark contrast to the 40% of the general U.S. adult population who favor such policies.

Rick Alvarado, a Republican from San Diego, continues to support Trump and appreciates his attempts to reduce public spending. However, he acknowledges the need for viable pathways to legal residency for law-abiding immigrants, stating, “The people who are productive should have a pathway to stay here somehow.”

The AP-NORC poll, conducted from October 9-13 with a sample size of 1,289 adults, features a margin of error of +/- 3.8% overall and +/- 6.9% for Hispanic adults. As Trump navigates the complexities of his second term, the changing sentiments among Hispanic voters could significantly impact his political future and strategies for upcoming elections.