The Mexican band Grupo Frontera finds itself at the center of controversy following the circulation of a video featuring 'La Abuela Frontera,' a relative of lead singer Adelaido Solís. In the video, the woman performs a dance reminiscent of the choreography of "Y.M.C.A.," a song used in Donald Trump's campaign. Although she did not explicitly express her political preference, the post sparked a wave of criticism, with followers accusing the band of sympathizing with the former president and calling for their cancellation on social media.

The incident reflects the growing polarization within the Latino community in the United States, where the Hispanic vote has become a decisive factor in elections. In particular, Latino men have shown increasing support for Trump, reshaping the electoral landscape in key states like Pennsylvania.

The support of Latino voters was crucial in recent elections. According to Edison Research, a pollin firm, 54% of Hispanic men supported Trump in the election, reflecting a shift from previous cycles. This phenomenon has been particularly evident in Pennsylvania, where cities like Reading, with a 70% Hispanic population, have witnessed growing Republican support.

Kenny Ramírez, a barbershop owner in Reading, switched his vote from Joe Biden in 2020 to Trump in 2024. He argues that rising supply costs and the lack of support for small businesses led him to reconsider his political stance. "I thought there was going to be change," he said in an interview with AFP. "And I haven’t seen it."

This economic discontent has been a key factor in the migration of Latino voters toward the Republican Party. Bryant Morales, a car salesman in Reading, believes that Trump’s business experience gives him credibility on economic matters. "He’s going to run America like a business," he stated.

The growth of Latino support for Trump is not coincidental. Over the past few years, Republican activists have intensified their efforts to connect with the community. Joseph Núñez, chairman of the Republican Party in Reading, traveled the state in a mobile office, promoting the conservative cause among Latino voters.

"I feel like an Olympic gold medalist," he said to AFP after the Republican victory in Pennsylvania, where Trump increased his vote count by more than 6,000 compared to 2020. The Republican strategy has emphasized issues such as the economy and border security, resonating with sectors of the Hispanic community seeking economic stability and immigration control.

The case of Grupo Frontera

Polarization within the Latino electorate also carries risks. The controversy surrounding Grupo Frontera illustrates how attempting to associate cultural figures with political campaigns can generate adverse reactions. While some see the viralization of the video as a favorable nod to Trump, others perceive it as a betrayal of the community.

Kevin Boughter, chairman of the Berks County Democratic Committee, acknowledges his confusion over the growing Hispanic support for Trump, given his history of comments about immigrants. "I don’t understand it," he said to AFP. Kamala Harris’s campaign, which visited Reading on the final day of the race, attempted to strengthen its connection with Latino voters, though some analysts believe the effort came too late.

The key question is whether these types of controversies benefit or harm Trump’s strategy. On one hand, the increase in Latino support in traditionally Democratic sectors suggests that his approach is working. On the other, the negative reaction on social media and calls for Grupo Frontera’s cancellation indicate that not all members of the community are willing to accept a pro-Trump narrative without consequences.

As Trump prepares for his new term, the loyalty of the Latino vote will remain a crucial factor. His team's ability to consolidate this support and mitigate divisions will largely determine the success of his administration and its impact on the country's future.