Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics released the May jobs report, showing that the U.S. economy added 139,000 new jobs and the unemployment rate remained at 4.2%. With companies—especially small businesses—still reeling from Trump’s chaotic on-again off-again tariffs and costs going up for families, Melissa Morales, Founder and President of Somos Votantes, reacted with the following statement: 
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“While working families are still dealing with rising costs and a tough job market, Trump and Republicans are showering their billionaire friends more tax breaks. Jobless claims are climbing, hiring is slowing down, and Trump’s reckless trade policies are fueling uncertainty and hurting businesses and families alike. This is not the booming economy — it’s proof that he is a liability when it comes to delivering on his economic promises. It’s no wonder 56% of Latinos believe the economy is getting worse under his leadership. We need real leadership that puts the needs of working people above the wealthy few.” 

Last week, Somos Votantes released new polling data that found President Trump’s standing has significantly deteriorated among Latino voters, with approval ratings plummeting even further compared to February over his leadership and economic agenda. Key findings include: 
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• Views on the economy remain bleak. A majority of Latino voters (64%) continue to rate the U.S. economy as ‘poor,’ and 56% believe the economy is getting worse under Trump. 
• Trump’s standing among Latino voters has declined sharply across all measures since February. His favorability rating worsened from -12 to -17, his job approval sank from -11 to -18, and his economic approval dropped from -13 to -20. This significant deterioration in his job approval is especially steep among Latino independents, crashing from -6 to -28 and Latina women, falling from -22 to -35. 
• Frustration dominates Latino voters’ views, seven-in-ten express negative emotions (70%) when asked how they feel about the current direction of the country.
• Latino voters continue to believe Trump and Republicans are not focused on their concerns – the cost of living, the economy, Social Security and Medicare. A majority saying Trump is focused on the wrong things (56%).
• A majority (53%) are very concerned by Trump and Congressional Republicans’ plans to cut Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations.

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A memo detailing full poll results can be found here. 

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About Somos Votantes

Somos Votantes is a Latino-led, Latino-focused organization that runs some of the largest independent Latino civic and voter engagement programs in the country. We envision a nation where hardworking Latinos have the opportunities and tools to fully participate in our democracy. Somos Votantes seeks to empower hardworking Latinos in shaping the future of our democracy, primarily through non-partisan civic engagement programs, by increasing our participation in elections and advocating for progressive policies.

Visit https://www.somosvotantes.com/ for more information on this program and other projects, and follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

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