{
  "id": 15255912,
  "title": "Farmers loyal to Trump turn on him as crucial elections approach",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/farmers-loyal-to-trump-turn-on-him-as-crucial-elections-approach",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T18:33:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-18/farmers-turn-against-donald-trump-ahead-of-midterms/107265122"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Many farmers who have long supported Donald Trump and the Republican Party are now expressing their discontent as they see their livelihoods affected by high fuel prices, tariffs, and the conflict in Iran. A growing number feel that the president has let them down and are questioning whether they should continue to vote for the GOP in the upcoming midterm elections. Scott Thomsen, a fourth-generation farmer, voted for Trump three times but now feels unhappy with his policies, particularly the war with Iran, which has led to inflated prices and increased costs for his corn, alfalfa, soybean, and cattle calf farm in Nebraska.\n\nFarmers like Thomsen are part of a rural America that typically votes Republican for its stance on local and state control over policies. However, they also rely on Washington for agricultural subsidies, crop support, and trade policies. In the 2024 election, nearly seven-in-ten rural voters supported Trump, but now, a growing number are disapproving of his handling of the economy and feel that his tariff agenda is hurting them. The Nebraska Farmers Union, for example, has seen a 46% increase in farm bankruptcies this year, with union president John Hansen accusing the administration of misusing tariffs and attempting to dismantle the USDA during a farm crisis.\n\nAs Republicans appear likely to lose control of the House of Representatives, they face a crucial challenge in retaining the Senate. The party's focus on foreign policy has become a liability, as voters feel the direct impact of economic hardships. Farm leaders like Hansen are advising their members to \"know, understand, and vote for your own pocketbook interests,\" urging them to weigh the consequences of tariffs and trade policies on their farms. While some farmers like Thomsen may not support a Democrat candidate, they are urging Republicans to prioritize domestic policy before foreign policy or risk losing elections.",
  "summary": "Farmers are usually a reliable voting bloc for Donald Trump. But amid a \"man-made\" farming crisis, Republicans can no longer take their support for granted.",
  "key_points": [
    "Many farmers who supported Trump now criticize his policies",
    "High fuel prices, tariffs, and Iran conflict affect livelihoods",
    "Nebraska Farmers Union sees 46% increase in farm bankruptcies"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}