Fool Me Once, Shame On You; Fool Me Twice, Shame On Me

Rising agricultural costs amid ongoing droughts and geopolitical tensions are significantly impacting US farmers, with diesel prices soaring by 72 per cent and urea fertilizer prices up by 55 per cent due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, farm loan repayment rates declined for the tenth consecutive quarter, and bankruptcies surged over 40 per cent in 2025 as the US prepares for its smallest hard red winter wheat crop since 1957. Despite these hardships, support for President Trump remains high among rural voters, illustrating the complexity of political dynamics in times of economic distress.