Hispanic Republican leaders warn Donald Trump, other candidates to change their rhetoric

A group of prominent Hispanic conservative activists shared some advice with the GOP presidential field on Tuesday: If you want to see a Republican in the White House again, move away from Donald Trump's rhetoric on immigration.

"Heed our warning: Don't expect us to come to your side during the general election," said Rosario Marin, U.S. Treasurer under President George W. Bush. "If you are not with us now, we won't be with you then. If you insult us now, we will be deaf to you then. If you take us for granted now, we will not recognize you then." About two dozen activists, elected officials, and small-business owners gathered in Boulder, Colorado, for an event organized by American Principles Project's Latino Partnership, MSNBC reports. The group says they are receptive to hearing "constructive solutions" on border security and immigration, but they are still waiting to hear ideas from the candidates. They also said they are not endorsing any one candidate, but they are united in opposing Trump.

Marin didn't come out and name Trump, instead calling him a "wannabe politician" who hurls "nonstop vitriolic insults," adding: "Foolishly, some candidates think they don't need the Hispanic vote in the primary, so they pander to the voters with extreme views instead of just showing us who they are." Trump has said he would deport all undocumented immigrants in the United States and would have Mexico pay for a border fence, and the activists argue there is no way Trump, or anyone who embraces his rhetoric or policies, will win the general election. His candidacy "needs to be canceled like his last reality TV program," said Tony Suarez, executive vice president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up