Washington DC – With less than a week left until the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Harris and former President Donald Trump are closing their campaigns with remarkably distinct messages. Former president Trump is leaning into a message of hatred and extremism – promising he’ll conduct the largest deportation in American history, use the military against his enemies and fundamentally change how the U.S. government functions to achieve the goals of Project 2025. His closing message is closely aligned with the vision and values of the Project 2025 blueprint that was written by many of Trump’s current and former senior aides – which we know would be devastating for Latino communities, the environment, health care and basic human rights. His New York rally, which was laced with racial and ethnic hatred targeting many groups, was capped off by his Senior Advisor, Stephen Miller evoking fascism by saying, “America is for Americans and Americans only.”
Vice President Harris in closing out her campaign with a speech before a massive crowd on the Mall in Washington drenched with America flags, made a strong case against fascism and presented solutions on the economy, healthcare, housing, immigration, elder care, and reproductive rights. These are top issues for Latino families and all Americans, and present a strong contrast from the Project 2025 agenda.
On the same day as speakers at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally were viciously attacking Puerto Ricans, immigrants, and Latinos – the Harris campaign was releasing a plan on how she would work to build an opportunity economy for Puerto Rico. In last night’s closing address to the nation last night, Vice President Harris rebuked Trump’s anti-immigrant hate, saying: “politicians have got to stop treating immigration as an issue to scare up votes in an election.”
In response to the campaigns’ closing messages, leaders of the Latinos Against Project 2025 coalition released the following statements:
Vanessa Cárdenas, Executive Director of America’s Voice, said: “For the last several months, our coalition has worked tirelessly to highlight the stark contrast and choice we face on Nov. 5. Trump’s Project 2025 is an articulation of his values and his vision for our country. And let’s be clear that when he or his MAGA allies attack Puerto Ricans or say that ‘America is for Americans and Americans only,’ they mean that we – no matter where we are born or how long we have lived here – are not included in their version of who an American is. Trump wants to strip Dreamers and others of their legal status so that they can make as many people deportable as possible as envisioned in Project 2025. Taking a wrecking ball to the U.S. economy, tearing children from their families, deporting U.S. citizens, and shredding the Constitution and our sense of common decency, Trump is selling his followers a dangerous vision of the U.S. In contrast, Vice President Harris’s closing argument is hopeful, inclusive, and clear about Americans solving problems together. It is time to stand up for what is right about America and vote to protect our values and our immigrant communities.”
Sulma Arias, President of People’s Action Power, said: “This election, when faced with the choice between two futures, Latino voters are deciding to reject Donald Trump and his Project 2025, and vote for Kamala Harris and her plan to keep the promise of the American Dream. Latinos want to keep more of our paychecks, and end price gouging at the checkout stand, in utilities bills, and in healthcare. We do not want a return to the Trump years in which billionaires more than doubled their fortunes, while the rest of us attended online funerals, and waited in lines outside grocery stores. Latinos know greedy corporations are to blame for what it costs to keep a roof over our heads, not migrants. We want a President who keeps our families together, not one who brags about tearing them apart. We want the restoration of our reproductive rights, not women dying. We don’t want our kids stuck in failing schools, and our families left unprotected from the dangers of unnatural disasters, because our resources went to tax cuts for the wealthy and mass deportation. Latinos reject fear and hate. We choose hope. We choose the candidate whose policy proposals make a better tomorrow possible. Latinos choose Kamala Harris.”
Sindy Benavides, CEO and President of Latino Victory Fund, said: “As we approach this critical election, we see a clear divide in the candidate’s vision to Latino communities. Vice President Harris’ message focuses on solutions, unity, and opportunities for families and workers, including a strong commitment to Puerto Rico and the economic potential of Latino communities across the country. In contrast, Donald Trump’s closing message is rooted in fear, division, and a harsh stance on immigration that would disrupt millions of lives. Latino communities deserve a future where they are valued, not vilified. We stand firmly against the harmful agenda of Project 2025 and any platform that threatens the dignity and rights of our community.”
Evelyn DeJesus, Chair of the LCLAA Si Podemos Fund, said: “Latino and workers’ rights are on the line in this election, and they must be defended now more than ever. There are stark differences between the futures being offered to us—one rooted in hate and division, and the other in hope and opportunity. It’s clear which candidate stands with immigrants, families, and workers, championing a future that includes us all. We are not going back!”
Antonieta Cádiz, Deputy Executive Director Climate Power En Acción, said: “Our present and future are on the ballot in this election. Trump’s Big Oil-backed Project 2025 agenda threatens our basic rights to clean air and water, our ability to prepare for and recover from climate disasters, and the thousands of jobs already created by the clean energy plan. Our community deserves compassionate leadership, not a self-serving agenda.”
Yadira Sanchez, Executive Director of Poder Latinx, said: “We are facing one of the most pivotal decisions of our lifetime. Trump’s vision of America clearly favors the wealthy and powerful, by giving them tax breaks at the cost of public education and cleaner air and water. This stands in stark contrast to Harris, who is committed to policies that would benefit and strengthen the Latino community, such as the expansion of Medicare, protecting the environment and respect of immigrants —values that make our country stronger. Voters of all backgrounds need to recognize Trump’s deeply exclusionary agenda and what its connections to Project 2025 represents. Our votes will determine whether we see progress or setbacks; let’s stand on the right side of history to protect our future and push for an America that works for everyone, not just a few.”
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Latinos Against Project 2025 is a national and state-level campaign comprised of several organizations across the country including, America’s Voice, PoderLatinx, SEIU, Latino Victory Project, UnidosUS Action Fund, People’s Action, Climate Power En Acción, LCLAA Si Podemos Fund, and the HIP Foundation
