Black, Hispanic Conservatives Have High Hopes for Trump’s 2nd Term/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump’s reinauguration has energized Black and Hispanic conservatives, who celebrated the growing influence of minority communities within the GOP. Trump’s increased support among Black and Hispanic voters in 2024 is driving calls for stricter immigration policies, economic reforms, and stronger ties with Latin America, as conservatives of color aim to shape his second term’s agenda.
Trump’s Second Term: Key Takeaways for Conservatives of Color
- Increased Support: Trump gained 16% of Black votes and 43% of Hispanic votes, up from 2020.
- Major Issues: Immigration, crime, and education reform are top priorities for minority conservatives.
- GOP Inroads: Majority-Hispanic counties in Texas flipped Republican in 2024.
- Latin America Connections: Leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei joined U.S. conservatives to celebrate.
- Future Vision: Conservatives hope to grow Black and Hispanic GOP influence by 2026.
Side Headlines:
- “Trump’s Growing Support Among Minority Voters Energizes GOP Base”
- “Black and Hispanic Conservatives Celebrate Record Gains Under Trump”
- “Latino Leaders See Trump’s Second Term as a Chance to Strengthen U.S.-Latin America Ties”
- “Conservatives Push for Immigration Reform, Economic Growth in Trump’s Agenda”
Black, Hispanic Conservatives Have High Hopes for Trump’s 2nd Term
Deep Look
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Donald Trump began his second term as president, his focus on outreach to Black and Hispanic communities took center stage. Speaking during his inaugural address on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Trump thanked these communities for their historic support in the 2024 election, where he garnered record-breaking margins among Black and Hispanic voters for a Republican candidate.
“To the Black and Hispanic communities, I want to thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love and trust that you have shown me with your vote,” Trump said. “I’ve heard your voices in the campaign, and I look forward to working with you in the years to come.”
Conservatives Celebrate Growing GOP Diversity
Trump’s appeal to minority voters energized Black and Hispanic conservatives, who see his second term as an opportunity to shape the party’s future. At events like the “Legacy of Freedom Ball” and the Hispanic Inaugural Ball, prominent conservative activists and lawmakers gathered to celebrate these growing inroads.
“This room was impossible twenty years ago,” said Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), one of four Black Republicans in Congress. “We’re bringing Black people and Hispanic people into the Republican Party.”
Record Gains Among Minority Voters
Trump’s 2024 campaign made significant gains with Black and Hispanic voters:
- Black Voters: Trump earned 16% of Black votes, double his 2020 share, including notable gains among young Black men. However, Black women largely remained loyal to Democrats, with 90% supporting Kamala Harris.
- Hispanic Voters: Trump secured 43% of Hispanic votes, up from one-third in 2020. This shift included majority-Hispanic counties in Texas flipping Republican, a development Sen. Ted Cruz called “a generational change for America.”
Key Issues for Conservatives of Color
Black and Hispanic conservatives have identified priorities they hope Trump’s administration will address:
- Immigration Reform: Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running to become the state’s first Black female governor, emphasized stricter immigration policies as key to addressing crime and economic concerns.
- Education: Reducing federal control over education is another priority, particularly for Black conservatives.
- Economic Opportunity: Miami Mayor Francis Suarez highlighted Trump’s focus on job creation and economic stability in Hispanic communities.
Latin American Leaders Join the Celebration
At the Hispanic Inaugural Ball, Latin American leaders like Argentinian President Javier Milei and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña mingled with Republican lawmakers and activists, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-Latin America ties.
“In four years, America will understand the positive impact of the Hispanic community,” said Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), who was born in Colombia. “We’re going to build an alliance between a free South America and a strong, prosperous United States.”
Criticism and Divisive Messaging
Despite the celebrations, Trump’s messaging has often been criticized for contradictions. While his campaign emphasized job creation for Black and Hispanic communities, it also leaned into narratives portraying immigrants and urban communities as sources of crime.
Civil rights leaders remain skeptical about Trump’s promises, citing his administration’s policies as divisive. However, conservative groups like Bienvenido and the Black Conservative Federation see these challenges as opportunities to further expand their networks.
Looking Ahead
As the GOP solidifies its support among minority communities, conservative leaders hope to leverage these gains to increase Black and Hispanic representation in Congress during the 2026 midterms. Activists are already rallying behind candidates who can continue this momentum.
“We’re growing exponentially,” said Jaime Florez, Hispanic communications director for Trump’s campaign. “The first Hispanic president of the United States might be here tonight.”
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