The economic pain spreading our Congressional District isn’t accidental; it’s the direct result of political choices made by Rep. Jay Obernolte and his continued alignment with Donald Trump. While politicians talk tough about patriotism, the reality on the ground is far less inspiring: jobs are disappearing, families are scrambling, and the district’s economic backbone is quietly eroding.
At the heart of the issue is Trump’s “Israel First” policies that shift focus and resources abroad while weakening alliances that historically stabilized global markets and protected American industry. When alliances fracture and supply chains tighten are strangled because of tariffs, districts like ours that are heavily reliant on defense and logistics work are first to take the hit. Yet Obernolte continues to back these policies without hesitation, ignoring the growing consequences for his own constituents.
The numbers are devastatingly real. Hundreds of skilled workers are being laid off from Fort Irwin Training Center: 482 tactical vehicle mechanics, 42 parts clerks, 31 technical wheel inspectors, 28 senior mechanics, 25 general equipment foremen, and many more. These aren’t just statistics; they’re livelihoods. They represent mortgage payments, grocery bills, and futures now thrown into uncertainty.
Meanwhile, executives tied to KBR, including those associated with the so-called “Epstein Class” of corporate elites continue to enjoy access and influence. Reports of lavish dinners and insider access paint a stark contrast: while workers are handed pink slips, executives raise glasses. It’s a tale as old as politics itself, but no less outrageous especially when the people paying the price are the very constituents Obernolte was elected to represent.
This is where the betrayal cuts deepest. Representation is supposed to mean advocacy. It’s supposed to mean fighting for jobs, protecting local economies, and standing up when policies harm your district. Instead, what we’re seeing is compliance blind loyalty to a national agenda that leaves the 23rd District behind.
Residents should be asking hard questions: Why is job loss being met with silence? And why does Obernolte continue to support policies that clearly undermine our community?
The answer may be uncomfortable, but it’s increasingly clear: without pressure, nothing will change.
Voters in the 23rd District must send a message this November, not just to Obernolte, but to Trump and anyone pushing policies that sacrifice American workers for political performance. “America First” cannot just be a slogan it must mean putting American jobs, communities, and economic security first.
Right now, it doesn’t. And the 23rd District is paying the price.
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