Terry Moran, a former ABC correspondent, reports from Iowa that rising costs are eroding support for Donald Trump in the heartland. Farmers cite high diesel and fertilizer prices, while many young residents struggle with housing affordability. Moran says these voters increasingly connect those economic strains to Trump's policies — a dynamic that could complicate Republican prospects ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Why Trump’s Heartland Support Is Waning, Reporter Says — Cost‑of‑Living Pain Hits Farmers and Young Voters
Photo Illustration by Victoria Sunday/The Daily Beast/Getty Images
Former ABC News correspondent Terry Moran says voters in America's heartland are increasingly frustrated with President Donald Trump as rising living costs squeeze households across Iowa. Moran, who left ABC last year after criticizing what he described as "hatred" linked to top Trump adviser Stephen Miller, traveled to Iowa to speak directly with farmers and younger voters ahead of the midterm cycle.
Moran told Daily Beast editor Joanna Coles that the cost-of-living crisis is especially acute for agricultural communities and young adults starting their lives. He warned that sustained economic pressure could harm Republican prospects heading into the 2026 midterms.
Terry Moran said voters in the heartland are keenly tuned into how Trump is impacting their lives. / Nathan Howard / REUTERS
"The cost of living is as it is everywhere in the country, especially for farmers. They're going to feel it even more now with no end in sight: Iran is emboldened, diesel prices keep climbing. The administration is trying to pin blame on Ukraine's war with Russia, which has disrupted Russia's energy exports," Moran said, adding that the administration "isn't fooling anybody."
Moran noted that even staunch Republican farmers understand why fuel and input costs are high. "They understand why diesel is as high as it is, why fertilizer costs have soared, and why that will translate into losses for them — not a total wipeout, but they'll get creamed by Trump-era inflation," he said.
He emphasized the political impact of these pressures in Iowa, one of the nation's largest agricultural states, and highlighted how young people are particularly affected. "Talk to young people: many have no realistic shot at buying a home or even staying in Iowa, which has become expensive for many young residents," Moran said. "That mix has left people deeply frustrated and angry at Trump."
Trump has told voters to pretend like he is on the ballot when they vote. / Kevin Lamarque / REUTERS
When asked whether young voters explicitly connect affordability problems to Trump's policies, Moran replied that they do — "100 percent" — viewing the presidency as a job to be held accountable for the economy and everyday costs.
Moran concluded that responsibility for these affordability failures rests with the administration in voters' eyes. "He is responsible; there's no question about it. People are not happy with him," Moran said.
Note: The conversation appears on The Daily Beast Podcast; new episodes are released multiple times weekly and the interview can be found on the Daily Beast's platforms and podcast feeds.
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