Trump’s victory highlights the issue of clubbing all minority groups as one, as it eliminates the nuances of the voters’ psyche.
After a four-year break Donald Trump is set to return to the White House, having won the popular mandate to become the 47th President of the United States (POTUS). The US Presidential elections is one of the most influential and significant elections across the globe and is followed with much anticipation. Every country has some stake in the election results, and a divisive figure like Trump assuming office is bound to cause some tremors in the international system and the global market.
The US elections cannot be fought without pandering to the racial component which influences voters. While it is a popular belief that Black, Indigenous People of Colour (BIPOC) swarm towards the Democrats and that the Republican Party’s primary supporters are the Whites, this election has seen a considerable shift from this perception.
The NBC exit polls have revealed that a third of America’s voters across Black, Latino and Asian groups voted for Trump in these elections. This is a stark feature of this election, considering the support of White voters decreased for Trump by 3% in 2024 when compared to the 2020 election results. Polls indicate that one in three people of colour voter for Trump, with the Hispanic vote share increasing by a whopping 14% in comparison to the last election.
Claiming ‘migrants’ were stealing the jobs which were meant for the Black community, Trump had tried to cater to a Black audience. However, this did little to attract support for the GOP (Grand Old Party) as 92% of Black women and 80% Black men remained loyal Democrat voters.
This highlights the issue of clubbing all minority groups as one, as it eliminates the nuances of the voters’ psyche. Each community had their own priorities and vested interests in these elections, which each group looking out for themselves. A significant chunk of voters who previously identified as Democrats have cast their votes for Trump this year. While Harris had a more diplomatic approach towards economic policies and foreign relations, Trump’s staunch stances seem to have impressed voters across the country.
A surprising racial demographic which helped secure a Republican victory was the Hispanics. Many Hispanic Red voters are in full support of Trump’s stringent proposals to curb illegal migration. Religion and family values also seemed to influence the community’s decision to favour rump over Harris. Several voters have disclosed that the traditional familial views which the party represents and endorses more in-tune with their personal beliefs.
Trump’s campaign relied on promising protectionist economic policies, stringent immigration measures, and a range of tax-cut proposals. This seems to have swayed minorities, working class and people without college degrees.
Concerns for democracy, worsening economy and access to abortion dominated the campaign talking points on both sides, the outcome is proof that the American population is swinging towards more radically conservative views. Undecided voters made-up a significant group whose votes were split between Democrats and third-party voters. This too proved to be an added advantage for Trump, as it prevented Harris from securing the majority.
While Harris, a biracial woman used her identity to garner the support of BIPOC, her opponents have been consistent in criticising her identity politics. In an election rally, Trump went so far as to say those who belong to the Black, Jewish and Catholic diaspora would “need their heads examined” if they chose to vote for Harris, emphasising that he would be the more favourable candidate even for minority communities.
Like elections around the world, this one too is proof that for the average American voter, rising prices, unemployment rates and access to amenities are the top-most concern. With yet another round of US Presidential elections coming to an end, it remains to be seen if the Trump 2.0 administration can live up to the expectations of his supporters.