In Kingsport, Tennessee, a town with a significant defense industry presence, support for former President Donald Trump remains remarkably strong, defying national polling trends. This sentiment is particularly evident in the town's perspective on international conflicts, where residents largely back military action or rationalize its necessity, even in light of Trump's past promises to end "endless wars."
Pam Robinson, a 65-year-old former chemical plant worker and staunch Christian, believes that Trump's potential to prevent adversaries from obtaining nuclear weapons justifies military engagement. "If he can stop anyone from having a nuclear bomb, then I'm for it," she stated.
David Carter, a veteran who also works as a Santa Claus impersonator, echoed a sentiment of proactive defense. "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," he said.
Others expressed more direct views. James Camper, a 63-year-old veteran wearing a Trump lanyard, suggested a forceful approach to perceived threats. "Honestly, I think we should turn them into a parking lot and don't worry about it anymore," he commented while leaving a discount grocery store.
Veterans constitute approximately 10% of the region's population, and many households include members serving in the active duty military. This demographic, along with others in Kingsport, appears to view international engagement through a prism of national security, with a strong sense of loyalty to Trump.
Robinson suggested that the perceived distance of the conflict may contribute to local acceptance of military actions, implying that greater proximity to casualties might foster more opposition. "Let me say this: If it was hand-to-hand and more people were getting killed, people would be banging the doors down," she observed.
The town's political leanings are deeply Republican, with Kingsport and the wider state of Tennessee consistently voting for Republican candidates for decades. This local political landscape, combined with a strong sense of patriotism and a belief in a robust defense posture, contributes to the enduring support for Trump evident in the community.