Decreasing Consumer Confidence Is Strong Evidence that Policies Are Missing the Mark

As the economy continues to stall, it is increasingly clear that the financial needs of millions of American voters, including Latinos, are being set aside in favor of other less relevant agendas. Voters were promised that elected officials would address the sky-high costs of living, yet conditions appear to be getting worse while the stock market wobbles and consumer confidence plummets.  

A 2024 UnidosUS voter poll made perfectly clear that economic issues like jobs, wages and rising prices top Latinos’ priorities as they do for every other voter segment. But rather than policies that stabilize household finances, the public is grappling with high volatility. Fast-forwarding, a March 2025 poll shows that Latinos and others report growing dissatisfaction with erratic and inconsistent decisions that leave families unable to plan. Just 32% of respondents approved of the president’s performance on the cost of living, and 70% said “they expected higher tariffs will make groceries and other regular purchases more expensive.” 

In more bad news, consumer sentiment is reaching new lows as inflationary pressures continue to dominate household finances, and threatens to spiral by further destabilizing spending and investment in the economy. People are holding back on financial decisions: 55% of Latinos report they’re either just meeting their expenses or falling short each month.  

The challenge of affording basic necessities has become the top worry for 50% of Latino voters, a figure that reflects the daily strain of keeping up with inflation. Meanwhile, the flaunted message of “economic recovery” touted by politicians seems to have bypassed this community entirely, as 67% of Latino voters rate the economy as poor, with 53% believing it’s only getting worse. 

To add insult to injury, the administration’s aggressive use of tariffs has contributed to price increases across various sectors, making basic goods more expensive for American families. What was sold as a policy to support domestic jobs and industries has, in fact, hurt working-class Americans, especially Latinos, by raising the costs of food and household goods.  

With consumer confidence at an all-time low and dissatisfaction with the handling of the economy growing, the question remains: When will these issues be addressed? American voters are tired of being promised economic security only to face increased volatility. Policies must focus on long-term stability, lowering inflation and creating real wage growth — particularly for those communities that have felt left behind, like Latinos. 

Until then, it appears the economy will remain a sore point for voters, and as Congress fails to deliver real-time solutions, they will likely see that frustration reflected as buyer’s remorse.