Donald Trump has been a disaster for rural America | Steven Greenhouse
Summary
The article says President Donald Trump’s trade and economic policies have hurt farmers through higher fuel and farm input costs and lower agricultural exports. It reports growing dissatisfaction among rural voters and argues that this could weaken Republican candidates in several states in the 2026 midterms.Key Facts
- The article says diesel fuel prices rose from an average of $3.75 a gallon before the Iran war to a peak of $6.52 in late September, then fell to $6.32.
- It reports that farm bankruptcies have risen 85% compared with two years earlier.
- A Cato Institute commentary cited in the article says tariffs have raised farmers’ input costs and reduced agricultural exports by billions of dollars.
- The article says President Trump’s budget law cuts food assistance and includes $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, which it says could leave an estimated 1.8 million rural Americans without health insurance.
- A KFF/AP poll cited in the article found that about six in 10 rural voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy.
- A Fox News poll cited in the article found that 49% of rural voters support Republican candidates, compared with nearly two-thirds who backed Trump in 2024.
- Nebraska Farmers Union president John Hansen said farmers face high costs, interest rates and reduced access to key export markets.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
