In Kingsport, Tennessee, a town of approximately 58,000 residents, support for President Donald Trump remains firm and unwavering. This stands in stark contrast to the national picture, where Trump's approval ratings have fallen to a low of 32% amid economic pressures and the prolonged military conflict with Iran.
The town is home to the Holston ammunition plant, which manufactures explosives for Patriot missile systems and heavy weapons platforms. While the Middle East conflict has driven up fuel and food prices across the United States, Kingsport residents view defense production and military policy as a national imperative.
Many townspeople justify the military operations in Iran as a preventive measure. David Carter, 66, explained that "the whole reason we're going over there, and we're keeping everything under control over there, is so we don't have it on our doorstep."
James Kamper, 63, told the BBC that "honestly, I think we should turn them into a parking lot and not worry about it anymore." Meanwhile, Pam Robinson, 65, said, "If he can prevent someone from getting a nuclear bomb, then I'm for it."
Residents do not blame Trump for rising living costs, instead pointing to constraints within the political system. Daniel Overstreet, 53, noted that "the plant will operate regardless of whether we're at war or we're not at war. That's what it is."
Overstreet added regarding the president's position that "the president is basically a puppet of Congress and the Senate. His hands are tied, to a certain extent." Robinson added that "he's done good things in some areas; I think he needs to check his advisors and look at some things," noting that "I think he's being advised incorrectly on some matters."
William Vogel, 75, said, "I know he wants the country to prosper," and added about the community's character that "we live in a great place, and if you're not conservative, don't come here. Because you won't fit in. But if you are conservative, come here, and we'll hug you."
Alongside the solid conservative majority, there are a few voices of change among local young people. Mary Heron, 21, noted that "I'm seeing a shift in support... it's pretty rare in this environment."
Emily Villalfando, 21, added that "a lot of the people we grew up with just adopted their parents' views. And now as we're growing up, we have more responsibility. The economy affects us much more."
