Lack of Latinos in Trump Presidential Cabinet Would Mark Alarming and Historic Step Backwards for Nation
*”At least one Latino has served in a presidential cabinet position since 1988, including a total of three during President George W. Bush’s two terms in office” -NALEO
“For the past 25 years, both Republican and Democrat Presidents alike have tapped Latinos to put their skills and expertise to work on behalf of the nation by serving as cabinet members. Latinos have been up to the task, serving at the behest of each President since Ronald Reagan in a variety of cabinet posts, ranging from U.S. Attorney General to U.S. Secretary of Labor to U.S. Secretary of Energy.
“With four weeks to go before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in as the nation’s 45th President, we are deeply concerned at the lack of Latinos being considered for positions within the cabinet. Failing to have representation in the cabinet from the deep bench of talent that exists among the nation’s second largest population group would mark an historic and alarming step backwards for America.
“We stand ready and willing to work with President-elect Trump and members of his transition team to identify Latino leaders from diverse backgrounds who have the experience and drive needed to help move the nation forward in the coming four years. We call on President-elect Trump to assemble a cabinet that fully reflects the American people by looking at Latino candidates for the remaining cabinet level positions in his administration in the coming days and weeks.”
Appointed as U.S. Secretary of Education by President Reagan in 1988, Lauro Cavazos became the first Latino to serve in the presidential cabinet. Since then, at least one Latino has served at the presidential cabinet level in every Administration for the past 25 years.
