26 January | February 2026 abasto.com ECONOMY FOCUS LATINOS RATE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ECONOMY BY HERNANDO RAMREZ-SANTOS N early a year into Donald Trumps second term, the Latino community in the United States faces a finan- cial climate they consider difficult and unpredicta- ble. Most view the eco- nomy with pessimism. A new report from the Pew Research Center re- flects this sentiment with clear figures: most Latino adults see a strained natio- nal economy, worry about their own finances, and feel the direct impact of ri- sing food prices. According to an October 2025 survey, 78% of Lati- no adults say economic conditions are only fair or poor, while just 22% rate them as good or excellent. Expectations for the fu- ture are also discouraging. Nearly half (49%) believe the economy will worsen in 2026, while only 28% anticipate improvement. Food prices continue to rise, and households feel the pinch every time they enter a grocery store. This sense of strain appears across all ages, income le- vels and geographic areas. The outlook contrasts sharply with Trumps cam- paign promise to streng- then the economy. Food and Housing Costs Drive Anxiety Nothing reflects the Latino economic experience be- tter than food costs. Pews survey shows 81% of Lati- Food prices keep rising, and my paycheck doesnt stretch. Housing costs make it impossible to plan for the future. no adults worry a lot or somewhat about food prices. Families report spen- ding more at supermarkets even when buying less. Many now follow weekly store specials with greater urgency. This concern transcends political lines. Regardless of whether respondents approve of the White Hou- se, they agree that feeding a family now takes a larger share of their paycheck than in past years. This is the reports most unifying economic concern. Two-thirds (67%) say they are very worried about food and essential goods, and 65% express strong concern over housing costs. These issues surpass worries over gas prices (53%) or job avai- lability (50%). Democratic-leaning Lati- nos report the highest levels of concern, but even among Republicans, daily expense anxiety is significant. Many families opera- te on tight margins. Even small increases in food, rent or utilities force them to make trade-offs. 22% Excellent/ Good: 78% Fair/Poor How Latinos Rate the U.S. Economy Continues on page 28