Early estimates suggest the first 12 days of the war on Iran cost the US taxpayer around $16.5bn. An estimated 40% of children in eastern Kentucky are growing up in households where income is below the federal poverty level. In July 2022, flooding from heavy rain led to the deaths of 38 people in eastern Kentucky. Any portion [of the Iran war spending] could greatly increase an educator’s ability to get school supplies. It is this kind of betrayal that, locals say, helps populists such as Trump connect with eastern Kentucky residents.

Source: The Guardian March 21, 2026 22:31 UTC