WASHINGTON — In his first speech after being inaugurated again, Donald Trump reached out to groups that have traditionally distanced themselves from the Republican Party.
“To the Black and Hispanic communities, I wish to express my gratitude for your incredible support and trust as reflected in your votes,” Trump stated. “We have achieved outstanding results, and I will always remember this. I have listened to your calls during the campaign and eagerly anticipate collaborating with you in the years ahead.”
With his inauguration coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Trump pledged to collaborate in realizing King’s vision. While this promise has drawn skepticism from various Black and Hispanic civil rights leaders, for some prominent conservatives of color surrounding Trump, it marked a significant step towards achieving long-held ambitions.
Rep. Byron Donalds from Florida remarked during the “Legacy of Freedom Ball,” a gathering of predominantly Black conservatives celebrating the new administration, that the representation seen today was nearly unimaginable two decades prior. “In 2024, we have returned, and we are integrating Black and Hispanic individuals into the Republican Party,” he told attendees.
Trump highlighted record levels of support he received from predominantly Black and Hispanic areas, which marked a contrast to past Republican campaigns. Leading up to his inauguration, conservative activists and lawmakers celebrated at various events, expressing their hopes for a new era where they would play a more significant role than in Trump’s initial term.
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, a prominent conservative who is campaigning to become the state’s first Black and female governor, asserted the expectations they hold for Trump’s presidency. She emphasized priorities such as stricter immigration measures, combating crime, and reducing federal involvement in education as key issues that resonate with Black Americans. “Let’s just give him a chance,” she urged.
This festive atmosphere emerged after a year filled with mixed messages from the Trump campaign. While efforts were made to connect with Black and Hispanic voters, other campaign narratives painted immigrant communities in a negative light as violent offenders, framing diversity and inclusion initiatives as threats to the nation’s integrity from a conservative perspective.
Trump’s comments regarding employment opportunities for “Black jobs” and “Hispanic jobs” resonated with several voters, including people of color, amid concerns about rising inflation, technological advancements, and international instability.
Compared to the 2020 elections, Trump saw an increase in support from Black and Latino voters this time around, with a notable surge among young Black and Hispanic male voters, as detailed in a nationwide survey analyzing over 120,000 voters.
In the recent elections, approximately 16% of Black voters cast their ballots for Trump in November, while an overwhelming majority supported the Democrats. This marked an improvement from the previous election cycle where only around 8% of Black voters backed Trump. Among Latino voters, support for Trump rose to 43%, an increase from one-third in 2020.
Conversely, Black women largely remained a steadfast bloc, with around 90% supporting Kamala Harris in the 2024 elections, mirroring the results seen in 2020.
At the Hispanic Inaugural Ball just prior to Trump’s inauguration, a diverse gathering took place, featuring Republican congressional members, state lawmakers, state governors, and various conservative activists and business leaders from across the Americas.
Notable figures, including Latin American leaders such as Argentinian President Javier Milei and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, mingled with Republican officials and prominent Hispanic personalities. Figures like Vivek Ramaswamy and Texas Governor Greg Abbott added to the star-studded attendance.
Miami’s mayor, Francis Suarez, acknowledged Trump’s efforts to listen and adapt policies to the specific needs of these communities. He expressed optimism that Trump could maintain and even enhance his standing among Hispanic voters. “It all comes down to the fundamentals,” he stated.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz energized the attendees by reflecting on the recent elections where several majority-Hispanic counties in Texas, known for their traditional support of Democrats, showed a shift towards Trump. Cruz, who also has Hispanic heritage, characterized the GOP’s expanding influence among Hispanic voters as unprecedented. “The Rio Grande Valley has long been a Democratic stronghold. I’m here to tell you, that has changed to red,” he declared.
Lawmakers proceeded to unveil a forward-thinking approach, with Rep. Burgess Owens articulating a vision where various backgrounds within the nation converge under a shared identity as Americans.
Senator Bernie Moreno, who immigrated from Colombia, pushed back against stereotypes that narrowly classify Hispanics. He painted an optimistic picture for the nation post-Trump’s term, envisioning a strong alliance between a free and prosperous South America and a thriving United States.
Black conservatives are also feeling invigorated. While the Republican Party did not add fresh Black representatives to Congress this term, activists are hopeful for change in the upcoming midterm elections. Donalds humorously reminded attendees to “keep quiet” regarding his aspirations for higher office, which others playfully referred to as “Governor Donalds.”
This unity and collective ambition were no coincidence, as conservative organizations had tirelessly worked to build networks within Black and Hispanic communities. Trump had funneled resources into fostering relations with right-wing politicians in Latin America, a strategy evident during events such as his inauguration attended by Bolsonaro’s wife.
The excitement of the night clearly reflected many Hispanic conservatives’ desires to further solidify the party’s connections with Hispanic voters while amplifying their impact within the GOP.
“We’re growing at an incredible pace,” stated Jaime Florez, the Hispanic communications director for the Trump campaign, while contemplating a future where the first Hispanic president might emerge from their ranks.
