Bethlehem (United States) (AFP) – In a US city once known for its steel industry, workers enjoy family outings beside retired, rust-streaked blast furnaces. This massive steel mill in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, fell silent in the 1990s. But the partially redeveloped industrial site came alive again at a recent Oktoberfest event featuring attendees in Bavarian dress, large beer steins, and a massive screen playing American football. Among the event’s attendees were supporters of President Donald Trump, who stand by his Republican Party despite disappointments.
Commercial roofer Nev Hamm recalled living “right behind” the steel plant in the 1980s, when it was still running. “It was good and they screwed up here. They gave it away,” the 62-year-old told AFP. But he believes that industry is “coming back” thanks to Trump’s protectionist policies. “It’s gonna be better as soon as we’re done with the Iranian war,” Hamm added, referring to the US-Israel war with Iran that started in late February.
Bethlehem sits at the heart of the Lehigh Valley, a former US stronghold of heavy industry. Workers now find jobs in logistics, food manufacturing—especially pet food—and a growing pharmaceutical sector, with a plant for weight-loss drugs opening soon. Beth Piniella, 40, feels that her family is doing all right. “I make decent money,” she told AFP of her job cleaning a warehouse for a packaging and business supplies distributor. On Trump, for whom she voted, she added: “I really think it’s hit or miss on certain things.”
Nearby, her husband Brian said he was “a little disappointed.” “I thought prices were coming down,” he said.
The district where they live could tip control of the US House of Representatives to Democrats following the November 3 midterm elections. Republican incumbent Ryan Mackenzie won by a narrow margin in 2024. His Democratic rival is Bob Brooks, a former firefighter and political newcomer who positions himself as a voice for the working class. Still, voters like Henry Martin plan to skip the polls entirely this time, frustrated with both major political parties. “They’re living the high life,” said the 32-year-old warehouse manager. “The everyday average Joe like me, we’re not doing great at all.” He feels “stuck” between the “terrible” rent he has to pay and home prices that are “insanely out of reach.”
In nearby Allentown, a billboard urges drivers to vote for Brooks. Ramona Chery, who works at a tire shop just below the sign, said the city’s large Latino community has been shaken by Trump’s hardline immigration policies and inflation. Gains among Latino voters in the 2024 presidential election helped return Trump to the White House. But Chery said: “There’s more poverty than before.”
Mike Shupp, who is president of the local United Auto Workers’ union, said: “I wish there was a manufacturing boom, but I’m not seeing it.” At his office in Allentown, the labor leader recounted how the area used to be lined with manufacturing facilities. He worries that American truck manufacturer Mack will continue cutting US production, shifting jobs to Mexico. About a 20-minute drive away, the region’s last remaining Mack plant employs some 2,800 people. The company had announced plans to lay off up to 350 workers at the facility in April 2025, partly due to Trump’s tariffs. Around 170 employees were ultimately let go, only to be recalled when business conditions improved—and Trump himself visited the site in June to tout his policies.
“I wasn’t interested in being involved with that,” said Shawn Smith, 52, a technician who puts finishing touches on heavy trucks. Smith, a union representative, supports Democratic candidate Brooks. He added that workers “don’t talk politics” at the plant as it “just starts an argument.” Nonetheless, he believes: “There’s enough of a disconnect, and there’s enough independents and Republicans that (will) say enough is enough, and they want a little bit of a change.”
© 2024 AFP
