The Unlikely Trump Supporters of Phoenix

There are a common misconception and stereotype that Trump supporters are only white, middle-aged men. While the population of white men do make up the biggest demographic of Trump supporters, with 53% of Trump supporters being white men (according to the New York Times and Pew Research Center), who makes up the rest of his supporters? A surprising number of Black and Latino men.

According to Edson Research, Trump gained 18% of Black male voters and 36% of Latino male voters in this last year. (https://nypost.com/2020/11/07/why-trump-grew-his-numbers-with-black-and-latino-voters/).

Trump has a history of making statements that are deemed offensive to both the Black community and the Latino community.

For example, in 2014, Trump tweeted, “you won’t see another black president for generations!” (https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/537157586316165120)

In May, Trump tweeted “these THUGS,” and “when the looting starts, the shooting starts,” about the Minneapolis BLM protesters. (https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1266231100780744704)

In 2013, he tweeted, “the overwhelming amount of violent crime in our major cities is committed by blacks and hispanics,” (https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/342190428675796992)

In a 2018 meeting, Trump refers to Mexican immigrants as “animals,” (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/05/16/trump-immigrants-animals-mexico-democrats-sanctuary-cities/617252002/)

So why do Black and Mexican men make up such a high percentage of Trump supporters?

2 Trump supporters from Phoenix, a Black man and a Latino man, share why they are in favor of Trump.

Anthony Jackson, 45, of Downtown Phoenix, is a Black man and an avid Trump supporter. When asked why he supports Trump, this is what he had to say.

I grew up in poverty. I grew up really poor, so I know what it is like to struggle. The Democratic presidents did nothing for our economy, and despite Obama being the first black president, his administration and how they handled the economy was probably the worst for us. Trump did more for the economy than anyone else, and I believe that’s what makes a great president.” said Jackson.

Jackson went on to further explain how he exercises his Second Amendment right and supports Trump even more due to his stance.

“As an American, I have the right to bear arms and I always will. President Trump promised that as long as he is president he will protect Americans’ second amendment rights, and I respect that heavily,” said Jackson.

When asked how he feels about being a Black man who supports Trump, Jackson said this:

“Black, White, Asian, it doesn't matter. I am an American, and Trump is for Americans, so I am for him. It isn’t a Black man for a White man, it’s an American for an American.” Jackson said.

Jose Fernandez, 38, of Phoenix, is a Latino man who supports Trump. He is a proud member of the group Latinos for Trump.

When asked why he supports Trump, this is what he said.

I love President Trump. I am a proud Mexican-American and I am also 100% pro-Trump. Trump is a strong man and he does not care what anyone else thinks. He speaks his mind and does not care how people react. That is a great characteristic that I believe a president should have. Today people are too scared and worried about what others will say, but at the end of the day, we should all be more like Trump,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez has been a fan of Trump for many years and has attended every single Trump rally hosted in Arizona.

“I am proud to be an American and I am patriotic. Trump is the most patriotic person in America. I have gone to every single Trump rally here, even the ones 4 hours away, I’m there.”

When asked how he feels about being a Latino man who supports Trump, he said this.

“Many of my relatives do not agree with me, and question why I support a so-called racist. I don’t think Trump is racist at all. He speaks on facts and isn’t afraid to do so,” said Fernandez.

“Trump will always be my president!” Fernandez finished, before tipping his “Latinos for Trump” hat.