In the Appalachian community of Kingsport, Tennessee, there's a 'church on every street,' as one local puts it, and a sign above the historic Lamplight Theatre proclaims 'Jesus first in all things.' But while over 300 area churches cater to the spiritual needs of this town of 58,000, the Holston Army Ammunition Plant provides the economic sustenance, churning out explosives for Patriot missiles, warheads, and other heavy weaponry amid the costly and prolonged war with Iran.
The war has contributed to President Donald Trump's approval rating plummeting to an historic low of 32% - down 14% from January 2025 - with gas prices spiking above $4 a gallon, but in Kingsport, support for the president approaches religious fervor. The city and wider Tennessee have voted overwhelmingly Republican for over 25 years, and residents either support the military action or rationalize its necessity, despite Trump's campaign promise of 'no more wars.'
'If he can stop anyone from having a nuclear bomb, then I'm for it,' says Pam Robinson, 65, a 20-year veteran of the local chemical plant. David Carter, a bearded veteran who plays Santa at Christmas, says the war keeps threats 'off our doorstep.' James Camper, 63, wearing a Trump lanyard, goes further: 'Honestly, I think we should turn them into a parking lot and don't worry about it anymore.'
With veterans making up around 10% of the region's population, and the Holston plant employing about 1,000 people as the only domestic supplier of some essential explosive components, residents have a unique perspective. Daniel Overstreet, 53, notes, 'The plant's going to be open regardless of whether we're at war or whether we're not.' He believes Trump is 'doing a great job' but his hands are tied by Congress and the Senate.
Even as residents complain about high gas and food prices, they don't blame Trump. Evangelist William Bogle, 75, voted for Trump every time and thinks he's 'doing a good job,' even though his wife 'has to stretch a grocery dollar until, you know, it's big as a bedsheet.' This stalwart support reflects a deeper truth: while Trump has lost favour among traditional Republicans and independents, his MAGA base remains steadfast.
In last week's local elections, the ballot included a single Democratic candidate, and seven of the county commission's 11 districts featured only Republicans. Many cite abortion as the single biggest deciding factor, with opposition to socialism and 'woke' issues too hard to ignore. David Carter, 66, says he'd only consider a candidate who 'supports the morals' of the population.
Liberal voices exist but are vastly in the minority. Adam Teague, 44, a gay, heavily-tattooed Democrat, says he toned down his rainbow shirts after Trump took office 'just to feel safer.' Younger residents, however, show signs of shifting. Mary Herron, 21, says she's seen a 'handful of people' who voted for Trump but now disavow him. Her friend Emily Villalpando, 21, a biomedical science student, notes that growing responsibilities make them feel the economy's impact more. Caden Bayless is hopeful for change but acknowledges it would be 'very difficult' in this region.
Bogle sums up the town's attitude: 'We live in a great place, and if you're not conservative, don't come here. Because you wouldn't be a good fit. But if you're conservative, come here, and we'll embrace you.' He'll be praying for Trump, as will Robinson, who says, 'All you can do is pray for your leaders, and God will give you what you want in the end.'