Kingsport, Tenn., is an Appalachian city whose economy and politics are shaped by the Holston Army Ammunition Plant and a strong religious culture. The plant — the only domestic source for some explosive components — employs about 1,000 people and helps explain widespread local support for President Trump despite his national approval rating near 32%. Cultural issues, veterans' ties and job security drive conservative voting patterns, though younger residents show early signs of changing views.
“If You’re Not Conservative, Don’t Come Here”: Kingsport, Tenn., The Munitions Town Rallying Behind Trump
'If you're not conservative, don't come here': The town making missiles for Trump
Kingsport, Tennessee, is a small Appalachian city where churches line streets and a major munitions plant anchors the local economy. The Holston Army Ammunition Plant — which produces explosive components used in Patriot missiles, warheads and other heavy munitions — employs roughly 1,000 people and shapes many residents’ views on the U.S. conflict with Iran.
Local Economy and Strategic Role
The Holston plant is one of the few domestic suppliers of certain explosive and propellant components. Its steady presence gives Kingsport a perspective on national security discussions that differs from urban or coastal communities. In a town of about 58,000 people with more than 300 churches, civic life and jobs are intertwined with faith and defense manufacturing.
How the Iran War and Rising Costs Are Seen Locally
Nationally, the Iran war and higher living costs have dented President Donald Trump’s approval ratings — recent polls put his approval near 32%, about 14 points lower than in January 2025. Rising gas prices (above $4 a gallon in much of the U.S.) and inflation have increased financial pressure on households and businesses.
In Kingsport, however, many residents either support the military action or see it as a necessary deterrent. Their views are shaped by patriotism, personal military ties and dependence on defense-sector jobs. Veterans account for roughly 10% of the local population, and many families include active-duty service members.
Voices From the Town
"If he can stop anyone from having a nuclear bomb, then I'm for it,"
"The whole reason we go over there... is [so that] we don't have it on our doorstep,"
Other comments are more blunt: "Honestly, I think we should turn them into a parking lot and don't worry about it anymore," says veteran James Camper. At the same time, some residents acknowledge limits to their support if the human cost became more visible. "If it was hand-to-hand and more people were getting killed, people would be banging the doors down," Robinson adds.
Politics, Culture and Local Elections
Kingsport and wider Tennessee have been reliably Republican for decades. Local ballots recently showed limited Democratic competition: of 11 county commission districts, seven had only Republican candidates and several races were uncontested. For many voters cultural issues — notably abortion, opposition to what they call "socialism" and concerns about "woke" policies — outweigh economic grievances when choosing candidates.
Religious leaders and long-time Trump supporters remain committed despite household strain. Evangelist William Bogle, 75, says his household has tightened its grocery budget but still supports the president. "We live in a great place, and if you're not conservative, don't come here," he says, summarizing the town's social climate.
Younger Voters and Signs of Change
Liberal and LGBTQ+ residents exist but are less visible. Young voters show some signs of shifting opinion: college students and part-time workers cite women's rights and immigration enforcement as reasons they have reconsidered support for Trump. Still, many expect major political change to be difficult in a traditionally conservative region.
National Context and Recent Developments
President Trump ordered strikes against Iran in February 2026 after talks collapsed, framing the action as defensive to eliminate imminent threats and prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. National reporting has also highlighted controversies around his handling of the conflict, including disputed accounts of a secret plane swap and official denials of weapon shortages.
Conclusion
Kingsport’s support for Trump is rooted in a mix of faith, economic dependence on defense manufacturing and cultural conservatism. While rising costs and the Iran war have eroded the president’s national approval, the town’s strategic role in munitions production and its veteran population help explain why many residents remain steadfast in their backing — even as younger voters signal potential, though modest, shifts.
Related national coverage: Reports have raised questions about Mr. Trump's wartime decisions and handling of classified information, while analysts point to economic indicators and public opinion data as warning signs for his broader political standing.
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