The economic narrative spun by former President Donald Trump, who famously dubbed the economy under his administration as 'A+++++,' is facing a harsh reality check in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a city emblematic of America's working class. But here's the shocking truth: for many residents, the economy feels more like an 'F' than an 'A.'
Take Idalia Bisbal, for instance. When she moved to Allentown from New York City three years ago, she was seeking a more affordable, simpler life. Today, she’s deeply disillusioned. 'It's worse than ever,' the 67-year-old retiree, who depends on Social Security, lamented. 'Everything is too expensive—rent, utilities, gas, food. You can't make ends meet.' Bisbal’s frustration was palpable as she sipped coffee at the Hamilton Family Restaurant, just hours after Vice President JD Vance rallied Republicans nearby, promising better days ahead while blaming the Biden administration for the affordability crisis.
And this is the part most people miss: While political figures like Vance and Trump insist the economy is thriving, Allentown’s residents tell a different story. In a dozen interviews with locals, business leaders, and officials, one thing was clear: prices are out of control. Whether it’s gas, groceries, healthcare, or housing, the cost of living has skyrocketed. Tony Iannelli, CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, called Trump’s 'A+++++' grade a 'stretch,' noting the economy is strong but not yet robust. Tom Groves, a health and benefits consultant, gave it a 'B+,' blaming the Affordable Care Act for rising healthcare costs. Even Joe Vichot, the local GOP chairman, dismissed Trump’s grade as a 'colloquialism.'
But here's where it gets controversial: While Trump has labeled affordability concerns a 'hoax,' Allentown’s residents are living the reality. Pat Gallagher, a retiree who once worked at Bethlehem Steel, now relies on Social Security and lives with her daughter to cut costs. 'I’m exhausted by the political back-and-forth,' she said, echoing a widespread sentiment of fatigue with endless partisan combat. Allentown, a city thrust into the national spotlight by Billy Joel’s 1982 song, has become a political battleground, with candidates and media flocking to this must-win state.
The city’s demographics are shifting too. Latinos now make up the majority, driven by growth in Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Dominican communities. 'This is a place of rapid change,' said Mayor Matt Tuerk, the city’s first Latino mayor. Yet, amidst this transformation, the economy remains a central concern. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, who flipped a Democratic seat in 2024, is now one of the most vulnerable Republicans, walking a tightrope between rallying Trump supporters and appealing to independents. His recent move to extend healthcare subsidies signals a shift toward compassion, but will it be enough?
Here’s the bigger question: Can politicians like Trump and Vance reconnect with voters like Bisbal, who feel left behind? Or will their promises ring hollow in a city where the cost of living feels like a never-ending uphill battle? Allentown’s story is America’s story—a tale of hope, frustration, and the search for solutions. What do you think? Is the economy an 'A' or an 'F'? Let’s debate in the comments.
