The recent Rasmussen survey indicating a notable increase in President Donald Trump’s approval among Hispanic voters has sparked significant discussion. With a reported 28-point swing, Trump now enjoys a net approval rating of +8 among Hispanics, showing 53% approval against 45% disapproval. This sudden shift stands in stark contrast to previous trends and ongoing criticisms of his administration’s immigration policies.
Reactions online have varied. One tweet enthusiastically proclaimed, “🚨 HOLY CRAP. President Trump’s approval rating among Hispanics just SKYROCKETED 28 points, now at +8, 53%-45%, per Rasmussen… This is HUGE!” Such excitement points to the fervent support Trump has cultivated among certain segments, particularly given the relentless scrutiny from mainstream media.
However, this optimistic outlook presented by Rasmussen clashes with data from more comprehensive studies conducted over the same period. Reports from multiple sources reveal that many Latino voters, a rapidly expanding demographic in the American electorate, hold a much more mixed or critical view of Trump’s policies—especially concerning immigration.
Broader Survey Results Tell a More Nuanced Story
The Pew Research Center’s October 2025 survey of nearly 5,000 Hispanic adults offers a stark counter-narrative. A substantial 70% disapprove of Trump’s performance overall, and 68% feel their circumstances have worsened over the past year. This bleak perspective highlights a growing sentiment among these voters, marking the first significant downturn in Hispanic optimism in nearly two decades.
Concerns over immigration enforcement loom large. Pew’s findings show that 51% of respondents fear deportation could impact themselves or someone close to them. Moreover, 71% believe the administration is already overreaching in its deportation efforts, a dramatic increase from 56% just months prior.
Further supporting this sentiment, a July 2025 CBS News/YouGov poll revealed that Trump’s approval among Hispanics had plummeted to 33%, underscoring a worrying trend for the former president as he navigates the landscape of public opinion. Overall, 60% of the American populace disapproved of Trump’s handling of immigration, suggesting a broader issue that could challenge his appeal.
Key Divides Within the Hispanic Population
The divide within the Hispanic community may explain some discrepancies between the Rasmussen poll and other major studies. Pew’s research indicates that an overwhelming 81% of Latino Trump supporters still back his presidency, but this figure has decreased from 93% at the start of his current term. Meanwhile, those who backed the opposing ticket in 2024 display near-universal disapproval of his leadership.
Another poll, conducted by Data for Progress between April and May 2024, further illuminates these divisions. While 44% of Hispanic voters supported Trump in the election, his post-election approval fell to 38%. Notably, 15% of those who initially backed him now express discontent with his performance, signaling potential challenges for future political endeavors.
Demographic factors like age and gender also skew perceptions of Trump’s presidency. Younger Latino men, aged 18 to 34, who previously favored him by an 11-point margin in 2024, are now showing an 11-point net disapproval rate. Similarly, those who switched allegiance from Biden to Trump have conveyed a significant 51% disapproval of his current job performance.
Balancing Immigration Enforcement and Family Stability
Support for increased border security remains strong among Hispanic voters, yet many are against large-scale deportations. Data for Progress found that while 86% endorse the deportation of violent criminals, only a small percentage favor broader enforcement measures. The sentiment is clear: 73% feel that mass deportations threaten to “tear families apart,” while 71% assert that such actions “unfairly impact law-abiding undocumented immigrants.”
Recent Gallup polling from June 2024 reflects a nationwide shift, revealing that 79% of Americans now view immigration positively. Notably, support for reducing immigration has decreased from 55% earlier in the year to just 30%. Additionally, the desire for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants has surged to 78%, particularly among independent and Hispanic voters who advocate for a more nuanced approach to immigration reform.
Economic Issues Compound Frustration Among Hispanics
The challenges facing Hispanic voters extend beyond immigration issues. Findings from the CBS/YouGov poll reveal that 63% rate their financial situations as fair or poor. Nearly half report difficulty affording essential needs such as housing, food, and medical care. While some anticipate improvements in the near future, Trump’s economic management is not met with universal approval.
About two-thirds disapprove of his handling of inflation. Critics point to recent legislation, like the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” arguing it disproportionately favors the wealthy while neglecting working-class and immigrant families. This economic disparity adds to the concerns voiced by many within the Hispanic community.
What Does the Rasmussen Poll Mean?
Ultimately, the promising figures from Rasmussen raise questions about their accuracy amidst a landscape filled with more comprehensive polling efforts. Without detailed demographic breakdowns, it’s hard to assess the legitimacy of the reported +8 net approval rating. Other major pollsters have documented Hispanic approval rates ranging from 33% to 40%, with opposing disapproval rates nearing 60%. The Rasmussen numbers could be a momentary spike rather than an indicator of lasting support.
Nevertheless, even temporary gains should not be overlooked. If Trump is indeed making strides among specific groups, such as older Cuban Americans, evangelical Hispanics, or small business owners, these trends could sway critical elections in key battleground states. With Hispanic voters comprising about 14% of the 2024 electorate, their growing numbers will undoubtedly make an impact.
Two Americas Among Hispanic Voters
The data illustrates a divided Latino electorate, with some voters valuing Trump’s tough stance and business acumen, while others express concern over potential overreach and economic hardships. As the 2026 midterms draw near, both political parties will likely ramp up outreach efforts towards Hispanic communities, each aiming to present their vision as the path to real security—both at the border and in the economy.
As one Pew respondent succinctly noted, “We want security, not fear. We came here legally, we work hard… but families are getting broken up for no reason.” These sentiments encapsulate the complex landscape of Hispanic voter opinions, which may very well shift as new political narratives emerge.
The Rasmussen figures may hint at a potential momentum shift. However, alongside the longitudinal data, they highlight an increasingly polarized and fluid political terrain among Hispanic voters where today’s approval may not guarantee loyalty in the future.
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