ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — When Idalia Bisbal moved to this Pennsylvania city synonymous with America’s working class, she hoped for a cheaper, easier life than the one she was leaving behind in her hometown of New York City.
About three years later, she is deeply disappointed.
“It’s worse than ever,” the 67-year-old retiree, who relies on Social Security, said when asked about the economy. “The prices are high. Everything is going up. You can’t afford food because you can’t afford rent. Utilities are too high. Gas is too expensive. Everything is too expensive.”
Bisbal was sipping an afternoon coffee at the Hamilton Family Restaurant not long after Vice President JD Vance rallied Republicans in a nearby suburb. In the Trump administration’s second high-profile trip to Pennsylvania in a week, Vance acknowledged the affordability crisis, blamed it on the Biden administration, and insisted better times were ahead as he served food to the homeless in Allentown.
This visit highlights a growing concern within the White House as economic anxiety grips both parties in competitive districts like Allentown, crucial for the upcoming midterms.
Only 31% of U.S. adults now approve of how Trump is handling the economy, down from 40% in March. Trump has called affordability concerns a “hoax” while claiming the economy under his administration was excellent, a view not widely shared by local residents. "In his world, it’s not an ‘A.’ To me, it’s an ‘F,’ 'F,’ ‘F,’ ‘F,’ ‘F,’ ‘F,’” said Bisbal.
Agreement that Prices Are Too High
With a population of about 125,000, Allentown is located in Pennsylvania’s third-largest metro area. Interviews with local officials and residents revealed a consensus: prices are too high. While opinions on the causes vary, the shock of rising costs is felt across gas, grocery, and healthcare expenses.
Local business leaders, including Tony Iannelli of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, described Trump's optimistic grading of the economy as a “stretch,” pointing to the need for robust improvement. As political combat drags on, residents express frustration over the endless cycle of blame and political advertising.
As a key battleground state, Allentown draws significant political attention, evidenced during the recent elections, where candidates frequently visit. With the upcoming midterms, Democrats aim to regain lost congressional seats as inflation and economic performance dominate discussions.
Allentown's transformation from a manufacturing hub is indicating a shift in demographics and economy, presenting both challenges and opportunities to political figures as they strive to connect with an evolving constituency.
