Iowa, a state of 3.2 million people, is feeling the economic strain of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and his aggressive stance on Iran. Farmers like Jerry Mohr, who has grown corn and soybeans near Davenport for decades, say the current economic conditions are the worst since the farm crisis of the 1980s. Diesel prices have surged over 70% in the past year, fertilizer costs have risen by 30%, and tariffs on steel and aluminum are driving up the prices of farm equipment parts. Mohr, a lifelong Republican, criticizes the tariffs on Canada and Mexico, arguing that free trade benefits everyone.
The economic anxiety is making Iowa, traditionally a Republican stronghold, a swing state ahead of the November 3 midterms. Democrats are polling competitively in races for the governorship, a Senate seat, and three congressional districts. Voters like Sean Eckhardt, a 59-year-old realtor and military veteran, express frustration with the trade war and Trump’s approach to Iran. Despite his libertarian leanings and support for LGBTQ+ rights, Eckhardt plans to vote Republican, citing distrust of the Democratic Party’s economic policies.
In Davenport, the economic impact of tariffs is evident. John Deere, the area’s largest employer, has paid $750 million in tariffs this year and expects that number to rise to $1.1 billion by 2027. Arconic, another major employer, has had to navigate volatile metal prices due to Trump’s tariffs. The Quad Cities region, which includes Davenport and neighboring communities, has seen its economy and population stagnate since a manufacturing decline in the 1980s. The area’s history is marked by boom and bust cycles, with recent revitalization efforts centered around hipster beer bars and other small businesses.
While some voters, like Billy Collins, a restaurant owner, support Trump’s tariffs and Iran policies, others see them as short-term pain for long-term gain. Collins argues that the tariffs will eventually level the playing field for U.S. industries. However, the economic uncertainty is pushing some voters, like Mohr, to support Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections.