Regina Gomez (MBA ’25) shares her reflections on the impact of the new administration on the Latino Community.
The Latino vote was one of the decisive factors in Donald Trump’s reelection. According to AC/COA, Trump became the Republican candidate with the most Latino votes in history, significantly improving his support compared to the 2016 and 2020 elections. This trend seems counterintuitive given Trump’s rhetoric on immigration and policies that many perceive as hostile to Latino communities. As a Mexican immigrant without voting power in the U.S., I was astounded by the amount of support Trump garnered from my community.
I struggled to grasp how so many Latinos could stand behind someone whose ideology appeared to clash with the core of who we are. Why would someone support a leader whose words and policies seem exclusionary? What is it that Latino voters in the U.S. are seeing that I am not? After speaking with classmates and members of the LatAm Club, I began to piece together some potential explanations. These are broad generalizations, and I invite readers to challenge them or offer other perspectives.
1. Fear of the Unknown
In Latin America, there is a popular saying: “Mejor malo por conocido que bueno por conocer,” which translates to “it’s better to stick with the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” Broadly speaking, many Latinos are risk-averse and prefer stability over uncertainty.
For some Latinos, Trump’s economic policies resonate. His supporters frequently cite economic growth during his administration, with unemployment rates among Hispanics reaching historic lows in 2019 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Inflation and prices have been key concerns for our community, and many associate Trump with economic stability.
I asked one classmate, “What about Trump’s rhetoric on immigration? Does that not matter?” Their response surprised me: “It does matter, but when you’re thinking about paying the bills and providing for your family, that’s what takes priority.” Additionally, Trump’s straightforward messaging — focusing on reducing crime, avoiding international conflicts, and improving the economy — is easy to understand. While some may find his policies simplistic, others see them as practical solutions to their most immediate concerns.
2. Latin Traditionalism
Latinos as a whole tend to lean conservative. This conservatism stems from cultural and religious traditions deeply rooted in Catholic and Christian values. According to Pew Research Center, 83% of Latinos identify with a religious faith, and many hold traditional views on issues such as marriage, family, and abortion.
Trump’s positions on these issues, coupled with his emphasis on “law and order,” align with the values of more traditionalist Latinos. For instance, his administration’s opposition to expanding abortion rights appeals to segments of the community with strong pro-life convictions. This alignment on social issues may outweigh concerns over his immigration rhetoric for some voters.
I often ask myself: How much of this conservatism is tied to identity? Is it a reflection of holding onto what we know, of the cultural norms passed down from our families? Perhaps supporting Trump is, for some, a way of preserving tradition in an ever-changing world.
3. Fear of Left-Wing Populism
The rise of left-wing populist leaders in Latin America, such as Lula da Silva in Brazil, Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico, and Gustavo Petro in Colombia, has sparked concern among Latinos in the U.S. Many of these leaders advocate for socialist-inspired reforms that critics liken to the policies of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro or Cuba’s Fidel Castro.
For Latinos who emigrated to escape economic or political instability, Trump’s anti-socialist rhetoric provides reassurance. The fear of witnessing similar economic devastation in the U.S. resonates deeply with a community that has already experienced it firsthand. Trump’s promise to preserve capitalism and prevent “socialist takeovers” aligns with the aspirations of many Latinos pursuing the American Dream.
One peer I spoke with put it this way: “We’ve seen what happens when governments overpromise and underdeliver. Why risk it here?” This sentiment, though not universal, reflects the scars of political and economic turmoil many Latinos carry with them.
Why Does This Matter?
While Trump’s success among Latino voters may seem surprising, it highlights the diversity within this demographic. There is no monolithic “Latino vote.” Instead, it reflects a wide range of priorities and perspectives shaped by culture, religion, and personal experiences.
However, a leader’s rhetoric has profound societal implications. As Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, “The presidency is not merely an administrative office. It is pre-eminently a place of moral leadership.” Trump’s divisive language, including remarks about Puerto Rico and comments on Latino immigrants, risks fostering fear and mistrust within our communities.
Hate speech has a ripple effect. It makes individuals hesitant to speak Spanish in public or disclose their cultural background. It creates an environment of exclusion and anxiety. As members of the HBS community, we have a responsibility to counter this. If you witness hate or discrimination, address it. Don’t let harmful rhetoric take root. Together, we can uphold the values of inclusion and respect that define our shared humanity.
So, I ask you: What kind of society do we want to shape? Are we willing to let fear and division define us, or will we rise above and champion the principles of equality and respect for all? Let’s not wait for someone else to act. Let’s lead by example.
Regina Gomez (MBA ’25) was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico. She graduated from Tecnológico de Monterrey with a degree in Economics. Prior to HBS she worked at Mastercard and an early-stage fintech as a Global Strategy and Operations Manager specializing in the payments industry.
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