Memo: Summer 2026 Economy Poll (c3)

Methodology: This memo summarizes key findings from a national poll of 2,000 registered Hispanic voters, conducted from May 11 to 25, 2026, as well as a national poll of 420 registered non-Hispanic voters, conducted from May 11 to 23, 2026. The Hispanic poll has a margin of error of ± 2 pp. The non-Hispanic poll has a margin of error of ± 5 pp.

The latest Equis poll, focused on economic views, shows the first major drops in Trump approval among Latinos since last summer, evolving views on the American Dream, corruption worries, and conflicted perspectives on AI data centers. 

The takeaways include:

1. Latino Trump approval has significantly decreased for the first time since last summer, and his ratings on Latinos’ top issue – the economy and cost of living – have collapsed. Trump’s national approval rating among Latinos decreased in May to net -31 (63% disapprove, 31% approve), down from net -25 in March. This is the first meaningful change in Trump approval since last summer in Equis polling. Over half of Latinos mention either the cost of living (34%) or the economy/jobs (28%) as the top issue the country is facing today. Trump’s approval on cost of living has collapsed, at net -52 (down from -38 in February), as has his approval on the economy, at net -45 (down from -28). His approval on the economy is particularly negative among Latinos compared to non-Latinos (net -45 vs. net -25), as well as on cost of living (net -52 vs. net-39). His approval numbers are notably low among young Latino men ages 18-39, with approval on the economy at net -53 and -63 on the cost of living.

2. Most Latinos believe the American Dream is possible, but the term carries negative baggage for many. That said, Latinos are fierce believers in the value of hard work in getting ahead. But today, getting ahead is more about stability, security, and safety than it is about grander visions of wealth.

 A majority of Latinos believe the American Dream is possible, whether they believe it’s harder to achieve than it used to be (47%) or is just as achievable as it always was (13%). But 32% of Latinos believe the American Dream “used to be achievable, but isn't anymore,” and an additional 7% say it has never been achievable. While the concept of the American Dream comes with some pessimism, a majority of Latinos (72%) still believe in one of its core tenets of social mobility, agreeing that there “is a lot of opportunity in this country for people to get ahead if they are willing to work hard.” In holding both of these truths at once, Latinos are focused on an American Dream that is more about stability, security, and safety than it is about grander visions of wealth. Respondents in this poll tell us the most essential parts of a successful life are “being able to live comfortably and pay for basic necessities without stress” (45%) and “living in a safe and stable community” (40%), compared to “owning a home” (27%), “owning my own business” (9%), or “becoming wealthy” (8%).

3. Most Latinos agree that “corrupt politicians are looking out for themselves… while supporting policies that make basic necessities less affordable” – but the perception is less resonant among Spanish-dominant Latinos. Over 80% of Latinos agree that corrupt politicians are looking out for themselves, whether it’s “getting richer by trading stocks in industries they oversee in Congress and grabbing up campaign cash from special interests” (82%) or “getting richer by supporting programs that benefit them and other powerful people and giving contracts to friends and family” (84%).  However, corruption frames are less resonant among Spanish-dominant Latinos (51% agree, 44% disagree on combined perceptions of corruption) compared to English-dominant Latinos (92% agree, 6% disagree), suggesting that corruption framing may be less resonant among Spanish-dominants. 

4. Most Latinos are concerned about AI’s impact on jobs and utility costs, but many still see the potential benefits of AI investment. Nearly 3-in-4 (74%) of Latinos agree that “AI data centers are responsible for raising the costs of utilities and must be better regulated.” A similar share (71%) agree that “AI will take away jobs and make it harder for future generations to be economically successful.”. Young Latinos are especially concerned about AI taking away jobs (79%). But Latinos are split on whether “building new AI data centers will create jobs and opportunities and allow the United States to remain competitive,” with 46% agreeing and 47% disagreeing. Latinos are similarly unsure about the potential benefits of AI, with 42% agreeing and 50% disagreeing that “AI will create new industries that make future generations more economically successful.” While Latinos are worried about AI’s impact on jobs and utility costs, there is more uncertainty around the potential benefits of AI.

5. Latinos are eager to see lawmakers address their everyday economic concerns – from healthcare to groceries. Latinos most want to see lawmakers lower the cost of healthcare and health insurance (very important for 89% of Latinos), closely followed by lowering the cost of food and groceries (87%), and lowering the cost of gas (83%). These everyday concerns take priority, reflecting the pressure Latinos are feeling at the gas pump, the grocery store, and the pharmacy.