In New Castle, Pennsylvania, a city once known for its booming industrial economy, support for Donald Trump surged in 2024.
The Washington Post reported that residents of this small, unincorporated area are now placing their hopes on Trump to protect their Social Security benefits.
A century ago, New Castle was a Democratic stronghold. According to Andrei Pagnotta, a local historian, the city last voted for a Republican president in 1956 when Dwight D. Eisenhower narrowly defeated Adlai Stevenson.
However, the city has undergone dramatic changes since then. Factories closed, young people moved to bigger cities, and the population dropped to about 21,000—half of what it was during its peak in the 1940s.
The Financial Struggles of New Castle Residents
For many residents, economic hardship has shaped their political choices. Lori Mosura, a local who plans to officially switch to the Republican Party, supported Trump despite disagreeing with him on social issues. Her decision came down to financial concerns.
“He is more attuned to the needs of everyone instead of just the rich,” Mosura explained. “I think he knows it’s the poor people that got him elected, so I think Trump is going to do more to help us.”
The financial strain in New Castle reflects a larger trend across former industrial towns, where many residents feel left behind by economic shifts and look to politicians for relief.
Trust in Trump: A Complicated Legacy
Donald Trump has built a reputation as a controversial figure. While many supporters view him as a champion of the working class, critics highlight his history of exploiting vulnerable individuals.
One example is Trump University, which promised to teach people how to succeed in real estate but ended in a major fraud scandal.
Trump’s former charitable foundation has also faced scrutiny, including accusations of unethical donations.
Despite these controversies, many voters in places like New Castle believe in his promises to protect programs that help the most vulnerable.
Social Security and Medicare: A Critical Concern
Social Security and Medicare are lifelines for many in New Castle. Lori Mosura expressed her concerns directly: “We helped get you in office; please take care of us. Please don’t cut the things that help the most vulnerable.”
Trump has consistently pledged to safeguard these programs. However, his administration’s “Department of Government Efficiency,” led by billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, has proposed cutting more than $2 trillion from the federal budget.
Experts warn that achieving such cuts without affecting key programs like Social Security is nearly impossible.
A Community’s Plea for Stability
The residents of New Castle represent a broader group of Americans who feel forgotten by the political system. As they navigate economic challenges, they are looking to Trump and the Republican Party for reassurance. Protecting Social Security and Medicare is not just a political issue—it’s a lifeline for communities struggling to recover from decades of economic decline.
For Trump, the stakes are high. Voters like Mosura are counting on him to deliver on his promises. As she put it, “Please take care of us.”
Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
