Trump fans in border states support ‘America First’ — even at the expense of their northern neighbours
Joe Solmon, a retiree from Minnesota, is spending his morning browsing The Trump Store, searching for a new MAGA hat to add to his extensive collection of Donald Trump-inspired clothing. With 14 Trump hats, 34 Trump T-shirts, and seven Trump sweatshirts, Solmon proudly boasts about his support for the former president.
Business at The Trump Store in Lake Park, Minn., has been booming ever since Trump was elected U.S. president in November. The store was even busier leading up to the recent inauguration events and watch parties. Located about a three-hour drive from the Canadian border, Lake Park is just one of the many communities in border states like Minnesota and North Dakota that rely on tourism and trade with Canada.
Solmon expresses his unwavering support for Trump, believing that the former president will make life more affordable for him as he struggles to get by on Social Security amidst rising food and gas prices. He blames the Biden administration for the high cost of living and sees Trump as a savior who will bring about positive change.
One of Trump’s key focuses has been on trade and immigration. Following his inauguration, Trump wasted no time in declaring a state of emergency on the southern border with Mexico and deploying troops to initiate mass deportations. Supporters like Denise Wilberg, a volunteer at The Trump Store, believe that these actions are necessary to protect Americans from illegal migrants and criminals.
Trump has also threatened 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods unless stronger measures are put in place to stop the flow of unauthorized migrants and illicit drugs into the U.S. Canada has responded by committing $1.3 billion to immigration and border security measures in hopes of appeasing the new president.
Wesley Wark, a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, warns that Trump’s isolationist foreign policy poses a threat to global stability. By withdrawing from international agreements and organizations, Trump is signaling a shift towards a more self-centered approach to foreign relations.
Despite concerns about potential trade wars and strained international relationships, grassroots Trump supporters like Wally Mueller remain optimistic. Mueller, a retired truck driver and volunteer at The Trump Store, believes that Trump’s tough stance on trade and immigration is simply a negotiation tactic. He is confident that Trump’s leadership will ultimately benefit all Americans.
In the eyes of supporters like Joe Solmon, Trump is a strong leader who is unafraid to hold his allies accountable. With a firm belief in Trump’s “America First” vision, Solmon is confident that the U.S. is on the path to greatness under Trump’s leadership. As tensions rise on the international stage, supporters like Solmon remain steadfast in their support for the former president and his policies.
