Economic claims in Trump’s State of the Union meet skepticism from WNC voters and business owners
FEB. 25, 2026 — President Trump’s State of the Union references to a strong stock market and lower core inflation met skepticism in Western North Carolina, where local workers and business owners say those national economic claims didn’t match Main Street experience. The discord surfaced as regional job data and recent layoffs add uncertainty for the area.
Economic claims vs. Main Street reactions
As he watched a portion of the State of the Union on Tuesday, Feb. 24, Dawn Sewell, a waitress who has worked six years at Mike’s on Main Sandwich Shop in Hendersonville, said what the president said about the economy did not resonate. Sewell said she voted for President Donald Trump in his second term. At the sandwich shop she said business has been down since Helene but may be slightly coming back. Sewell said she’s unsure of what to expect with business and the economy in Hendersonville but will continue to work hard in her shifts.
Local businesses weigh the impact
Aaron Black, a home and commercial builder whose construction business has its main office on Main Street, offered a mixed view: his company is doing well, but he said inflation is hurting others. Black said he feels inflation "kicking everyone in the teeth, including myself. " He added that while the economy may be good for his firm, he feels people across Henderson County are hurting. He also said current data for jobs in western North Carolina doesn’t paint a clear picture of the regional economic trend, up or down.
Jobs, unemployment and regional data
The Mountain Area Workforce Development Board examined jobs and employment data for Henderson, Buncombe, Madison and Transylvania counties since 2020. The report showed the following unemployment percentages for the counties: unclear in the provided context. The study found that from 2020 to 2025 jobs increased by 9. 4%, which is 1. 2% below national growth of 10. 6%. Looking closely at trends, 2025 had fewer jobs in the four-county region compared to 2024.
Layoffs and manufacturing cuts escalate local worry
Two major regional manufacturers in the past 60 days announced major layoffs. Baxter, which operates a Marion facility that makes IV medical devices, eliminated 3% of that facility’s workforce and said 90 workers would be let go, citing post-Helene market conditions and economic impacts tied to Helene. Those corporate moves have contributed to unease among residents and business owners about the near-term trajectory for jobs in the region.
Expert concerns and what residents are watching
Cohen expressed worry about a slowdown or a recession, noting there are policies creating uncertainty as companies, businesses and households react. Cohen added that the U. S. economy continues to power through much of the uncertainty, which makes some people optimistic that momentum could continue, but he warned there are definitely worrying trends.
What this means heading into the next political cycle
Residents and small-business operators in Western North Carolina described a gap between national economic messaging and local experience: some businesses report steady or improving conditions, while other employers and workers face softening demand and layoffs tied to recent events. That disconnect — between talk of a strong stock market and lower core inflation and Main Street reports of inflation pain and job swings — is shaping how voters like Sewell and business owners like Black are processing the State of the Union.
Recent updates indicate local data and employer decisions will continue to evolve; details may change as new information becomes available.
