Despite turmoil swirling in Washington, Donald Trump’s presidency still enjoys strong support among his base, particularly in white, rural America. These are the “forgotten men and women” to whom Trump has promised much, the people who feel that recent administrations were too focused on what have become disparagingly known as urban and coastal elites. VOA reporters recently traveled to a stretch of rural counties along the upper Mississippi River that turned from “blue” to “red” – supporting Democrat Barack Obama, then backing Republican Donald Trump in 2016. They spoke to farmers and carpenters, factory workers and retirees in these overwhelmingly white, Christian, working and middle class communities, those hoping for change, and those tired of it. These are their stories.
In their words
The changes they want
Galesville, Wisconsin
Remembering better times
In rural Wisconsin, a retired couple looks back with nostalgia, looks forward to reforms. Read more
Trempealeau County, Wisconsin
Big government drives big suspicions
Despite the benefits he reaps, a former farmer wants an intrusive Washington out of his life. Read more
Donnellson, Iowa
Factory or farm work
Rural US youths find limited opportunity on the farm Read more
Muscatine, Iowa
Iowa Farmers Depend on International Markets
Washington creates regulations, but many of their consumers are in China. Read more