For the first time in history, a politician of Latino descent will be in charge of managing U.S. foreign policy: Marco Rubio (AFP file photo).
For the first time in history, a politician of Latino descent will be in charge of managing U.S. foreign policy: Marco Rubio (AFP file photo).

Donald Trump Reloaded: The Five Key Issues for Latinos

A new era begins with Donald Trump. The expectation is how far he will take his government program. How will Latinos fare in his era 2.0?

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El futuro de Donald Trump

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As Donald Trump takes office as the 47th President of the United States, a new political chapter begins for the country, with significant implications for the Latino community. The event will take place at 12:00 noon Washington time. From immigration to international trade, Latinos are closely watching the decisions that could shape their future. Here are the five key issues that will define this new Trump era:

1. Immigration: The Threat of Mass Deportations

President Trump has made it clear that he plans to act with "unprecedented speed and force" to curb illegal immigration. The declaration of a state of emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” policy are among the expected measures. While mass deportations primarily target undocumented immigrants, they also raise concerns among legal migrants who fear potential changes to their status. The resurgence of family separation policies and "zero tolerance" approaches, seen during Trump’s first term, could once again place millions of Latino families on edge.

2. Technology: A Tech Boom or Extreme Surveillance?

With allies like Elon Musk and tech giants like X (formerly Twitter), Trump could usher in a tech boom. However, questions are being raised about the limits of technological disruption. There are concerns about extreme technological surveillance and the use of personal data under the guise of national security. The promise to “save TikTok” could appeal to young Latinos, who make up a significant user base of the platform, but it could also signal attempts to impose digital narratives.

3. Inflation: Managing an Economy in Recovery

Trump inherits an economy stabilizing after years of high inflation. With prices normalizing, the administration’s monetary policies could pave the way for economic growth. However, missteps could reverse this progress; for example, an increase in tariffs. For Latinos, who make up a substantial portion of the working and entrepreneurial classes, changes in the cost of goods, services, and access to credit will be critical indicators of this administration’s impact on their financial well-being.

4. International Trade: A New Trade War?

Trump’s focus on bolstering domestic industries through increased tariffs is a key promise. While this could strengthen certain sectors in the U.S., it also raises the risk of trade wars with China, Europe, and Latin America. For Latin American countries reliant on trade with the U.S., these policies could create new challenges. Latino business owners in the U.S. might face higher costs and a more complicated commercial environment as a result.

5. Geopolitics: An Uncertain Horizon

Trump has hinted at controversial geopolitical moves, such as retaking control of Panama or reconsidering Greenland’s status. While these proposals may seem distant, they reflect a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy stance. Latinos, particularly those of Central American and Mexican descent, are closely watching how these decisions could affect relations between the U.S. and their countries of origin, as well as international aid policies.

The Latino community, representing around a 20 percent of the U.S. population, faces a landscape full of uncertainties. Issues like immigration, technology, inflation, international trade, and geopolitics will be pivotal in this new Trump era. Active participation in public debate and political processes will be essential to influence the decisions that shape the future of millions of Latinos.