Trump's Iran war stirs anger in Maga country Kentucky

[dalton99a]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/21/trump-iran-war-stirs-anger-maga-kentucky

Trump’s Iran war stirs anger in Maga country Kentucky
In Appalachia, a deeply red region hit by poverty and cuts, some ask why billions are going to war instead of home
Stephen Starrin
Sat 21 Mar 2026 08.00 EDT

...

Early estimates suggest the first 12 days of the war on Iran cost the US taxpayer around $16.5bn. An estimated 40% of children in eastern Kentucky are growing up in households where income is below the federal poverty level. In July 2022, flooding from heavy rain led to the deaths of 38 people in eastern Kentucky.

All the while, thousands of eastern Kentucky residents have seen Snap and Medicare support cut by the Trump administration, and rising utility prices drive them back into poverty.

“This war, with no congressional approval, is a slap in the face of rural Kentuckians and my neighbors. There are so many things that that money could be better allocated for … especially after all the cuts that have been made, it’s really difficult to kind of swallow that pill,” says McKenna Brashear, the acting president of the Perry County Young Democrats, who’s from the tiny community of Viper.

“Our schools rely heavily on government assistance. Any portion [of the Iran war spending] could greatly increase an educator’s ability to get school supplies. Higher gas prices are only going to make it more difficult for those on welfare or for those just struggling to make ends meet.”

...

[Mysterian]

1. You made your beds, fuckers

Now lie in them.

[B.See]

9. Exactly. They didn't mind when

they thought he'd be hurting someone ELSE.... or 'owning the libs.' Wound up owning THEMSELVES.

Poetic Justice.

[hatrack]

2. That's nice. 2024 Presidential Election Results Kentucky: Trump 64.47% Harris 33.94%

https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/state.php?year=2024&fips=21&f=0&off=100&elect=0

[LisaL]

3. They got what they voted for.

What did they think was going to happen? It boggles my mind that people dependent on government's support vote republican, but they do.
So they made their bed, now they have to lie in it.

[Justice matters.]

17. They believed his "no new wars" and his "lower the costs of groceries" LIES.

Also his "concepts of a plan" LIE.

From the most obvious con-man who ever lived.

If only I had a fake bridge to sell, I know where I would try to sell it.

[Initech]

4. You voted for the fucking asshole 3 times! 3!!!

Stop doing that.

[3_Limes]

15. The guy who runs the Young Democrat club voted for Trump 3 times?

That seems unlikely.

[Initech]

16. No, I meant the state of Kentucky did.

[City Lights]

5. You're reaping what you sowed, KY. Sorry not sorry! nt

[Cha]

6. EVERYBODY SHOULD BE ASKING THAT!

Trump’s Iran war stirs anger in Maga country Kentucky
In Appalachia, a deeply red region hit by poverty and cuts, some ask why billions are going to war instead of home

TY

[Dan]

7. Well, to the GOP Congress and POTUS

Why given money or help to states like Kentucky, cause they are going to vote GOP anyway.

[tulipsandroses]

8. Well, maybe stop voting to own the libs?

Are we figuring that out yet?
Government should serve the public. Not just hurt people you don’t like.

[SamuelTheThird]

12. Not a chance

They're the same people who voted for GW twice. They are congenitally ...let's be diplomatic and say stupid

[Charmin One]

10. But Jesus is returning soon!

And Jesus is on Trump’s side.
He is returning! I promise, LOL!
/sarc

[Norrrm]

14. Jesus does not have to return now. God sent another.

[Mysterian]

20. None of those grifting preachers believe in god or Jesus

It was a career choice for them to become grifting, phony-religious con-men and women. That's a room full of con-men, not religious people.

[Norrrm]

11. "Hilarious" she said.

[Aristus]

13. It won't change anything.

Next time they go into the voting booth, they will vote Republican. They don't have minds to change...

[LisaL]

18. That's assuming they will be able to vote.

Somehow I doubt they all have passports.

[Mysterian]

19. But it's OK, bumpkins....

you're safe from drag queens!