Struggling with higher costs at the gas pump, the diesel pump and the grocery store, supporters of President Donald Trump in the battleground state of Michigan say their loyalty to him and to the Republican Party has not wavered.
Fox News Digital spoke with nearly 20 voters who waited hours in line to attend a Trump rally in Port Huron, a small city on the shores of Lake Huron. They said they plan to stick with Republicans in the midterm elections and described Democrats as "socialists."
Republicans are working to protect slim majorities in the House and Senate while facing a historical trend: the party holding power in Washington typically loses seats in midterm years. The party also contends with persistent inflation, which is tied in part to a war with Iran that polls show is unpopular, as well as Trump's declining approval numbers.
The latest Fox News national poll put Trump's approval at 36%, the lowest figure he has recorded in a Fox News survey. Among self-described MAGA voters, however, his approval stood at 95%.
Many rally-goers framed higher prices as a temporary cost. Linda Taggart of Marysville called it "short term pain for long term gain," adding that "we see the long term goal and we support that." Port Huron resident Bob Kemp said the president is steering the country back on course after four years under former President Joe Biden, and that "whenever you're fixing something, it always gets worse before it gets better." Michael Bacheller, also of Port Huron, said affordability would not affect his vote. Judith Troy, asked whether she blames Trump for prices, answered "yes and no," saying he is doing what he has to do for a good cause.
At the rally, Trump said the war was meant to ensure that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, an argument that resonated with the voters interviewed. Bay City resident James Blake said Trump has "taken the fight to the terrorists over in Iran." Carol Mocan of Warren said she does not blame him for the cost of living because "Iran needed to be taken care of." Ken Gunnels of Clio said he believed Iran was a genuine threat and that the country needed a president who would stand up to it.
Some voters said another issue outweighs the war and the economy. Steve Scouten of Burtchville named immigration as his top concern, saying, "If you're here illegally, expect a knock on your door from ICE." Bacheller agreed, calling immigration policy the thing Trump should be most remembered for. Blake also praised the president's stance on keeping men out of women's sports, as well as policies on no tax on tips, overtime and Social Security. Port Huron resident Rolande Debell said she is "all for Trump" because "it's all about being American."
None of the MAGA voters interviewed said they would vote for a Democrat in the midterms. Troy said she does not like much of what Democrats believe. Mocan argued that Democrats "don't live in the same world" as other Americans. Blake said he is "not in the business of socialism." Scouten, who said he used to be a Democrat, put it plainly: "Never again. They're too far to the left."
