'If you're not conservative, don't come here': The town making missiles for Trump

"If you're not conservative, don't come here": The town making missiles for Trump

**‘Justified’ or ’no business being there’? Tennessee munitions town loyal to Trump but divided on Iran**

In the Appalachian community of Kingsport, Tennessee, Christianity is a dominant force. As one local observes, there's a "church on every street," and a sign above the historic Lamplight Theatre in downtown boldly declares, "Jesus first in all things." While over 300 area churches provide spiritual sustenance to this town of 58,000, another institution offers economic stability: the Holston Army Ammunition Plant.

The plant manufactures explosives for Patriot missiles, warheads, and other heavy weaponry, operating amidst the country's costly and prolonged war with Iran. This conflict, and its ripple effects on everything from gas prices to groceries, has contributed to a significant drop in President Donald Trump's approval ratings. Recent polls show his approval at a historic low of 32%—a 14% decrease since he took office in January 2025—with many Republican respondents expressing disillusionment with his policies.

The two primary factors impacting the president's popularity are the cost of living and the Iran War, with these issues often intertwined. The conflict has driven US gas prices above $4 a gallon, a substantial increase that impacts any business reliant on transportation.

However, in Kingsport, support for the president is almost fervent. The city voted overwhelmingly for Trump in all three of his elections, mirroring the broader sentiment in Tennessee, a Republican state for over 25 years. When it comes to the Iran conflict, most residents either explicitly support the military action or rationalize its necessity, despite Trump's repeated campaign promise of "no more wars."

"If he can stop anyone from having a nuclear bomb, then I'm for it," states Pam Robinson, 65, who worked at a local chemical plant for two decades.

David Carter, 66, a bearded veteran who plays Santa Claus during Christmastime and is an outspoken Christian, explains, "the whole reason we go over there, and we keep everything under control there, is [so that] we don't have it on our doorstep."

Others express more direct views. "Honestly, I think we should turn them into a parking lot and don't worry about it anymore," says veteran James Camper, 63, wearing a Trump lanyard as he leaves a discount grocery store. Veterans constitute approximately 10% of the region's population, and many other households have active-duty family members.

Robinson, a staunch Christian and independent voter who says her faith guides her candidate choices, believes the remote nature of the war might be preventing locals from being more upset with Trump. "Let me say this: If it was hand-to-hand and more people were getting killed, people would be banging the doors down," she remarks.

Kingsport's role as a major munitions manufacturer—with Holston being the sole domestic supplier of certain essential explosive and propellant components—provides its residents with a unique perspective on the war in Iran. The plant employs around 1,000 people and is one of many sprawling industrial complexes that stand out against the lush Appalachian Mountain landscape.

"The plant's going to be open regardless of whether we're at war or whether we're not," says Daniel Overstreet, 53, standing next to his Harley Davidson in downtown Kingsport. "It is what it is." He believes Trump and his administration are "doing a great job" but face opposition from "too many people trying to fight him."

"[He said] he would get the gas prices under control, and they were for a while," Overstreet notes. "He said he was gonna get food prices down, but he has no control over that. The president is basically a puppet for Congress and the Senate. His hands are tied, to a certain extent."

It's not that residents here don't complain about high gas and food prices, inflation, and other economic challenges; they simply don't attribute these issues to Trump. "He's done good on some things; I think he needs to check his advisers and see on some things," says Robinson. "I think he's advised wrong on some things."

However, it was Trump himself who announced his decision to strike Iran in February 2026 following failed negotiations. In an eight-minute social media video, he stated that "the objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime" and asserted that Iran "will never have a nuclear weapon."

Evangelist William Bogle, 75, has voted for Trump in every election and believes the president is "doing a good job," even though his wife "has to stretch a grocery dollar until, you know, it's big as a bedsheet." Trump "is just gonna have to do a little bit better in some things than he's doing right now," he adds, expressing confidence that "he wants the country to prosper."

This unwavering support reflects a deeper truth often obscured by polling headlines. While Trump has lost favor among more traditional Republicans and independent voters, his base—those who identify with his "Make America Great Again" mantra—remains steadfast in their backing.

So, while much of the US observes how Trump's declining popularity might impact Republicans in November's midterm elections, here in the Bible Belt, sometimes "red" is the only option. In recent local elections, the ballot included only one Democratic candidate. Of the county commission's 11 districts, seven featured only Republicans running, with some unopposed.

Many residents state they cannot and will not cross party lines for moral reasons, citing abortion as the single most significant deciding factor, alongside strong opposition to socialism and "woke" issues. These concerns outweigh any personal criticisms they might have, according to David Carter, 66, a grandfather, Christian, and veteran. While Carter concedes Trump needs to humble himself more, he would only consider a candidate who "supports the morals" of the population, which includes opposing abortion.

Those with more liberal views exist in Kingsport but are a distinct minority and less vocal. Piercing artist Adam Teague, 44, a gay, heavily-tattooed Democrat working downtown, notes a shift in his own behavior. "Before Trump took office, I was wearing, like, rainbow shirts and everything," says Teague, who was raised Baptist. "I kind of toned it down, just to feel safer."

Trump's victory in the 2024 election was partly due to his ability to attract a diverse coalition, including people of all ages and races. However, while his MAGA supporters remain loyal, polling suggests that many young people who helped him win against Kamala Harris are now disillusioned.

Mary Herron, 21, leaving a boutique cupcake shop with two friends, has observed a change in attitudes among her peers. "I am seeing a shift in the support… that's kind of rare around here," says Herron, a student who works part-time. "But I've seen a handful of people who have been like, 'Oh yeah, well, I voted for him, and now I'm not with him anymore.'"

Her friend Emily Villalpando, 21, points out that Trump first entered politics when they were in middle school. "So a lot of the people that we grew up with kind of just adopted their parents' views." Now, as they mature and take on more responsibilities, "the economy affects us a lot more," says Villalpando, a biomedical science student aspiring to be a doctor. The three college students—including their friend Caden Bayless—cite women's rights and aggressive immigration policies as major concerns, but they remain skeptical of significant attitude or voting shifts in the region.

Bayless expresses hope that the younger generation can bring about change, but "given where we live… it would be a very difficult change."

Bogle, in summing up the Kingsport region, inadvertently speaks to their fears. "We live in a great place, and if you're not conservative, don't come here," the preacher says. "Because you wouldn't be a good fit. But if you're conservative, come here, and we'll embrace you." He will be praying for Trump, he says, as will the more moderate Robinson. "All you can do is pray for your leaders, and God will give you what you want in the end," she concludes.

*Trump hid in catering truck in secret plane swap over Iran threat, reports say*

*Trump denies US weapons shortage and says information 'leakers' being 'hunted down'*

*Three charts that are warning signs flashing for Trump on Iran war*