Trump’s popularity rises in Butler County after historic victory – Butler Eagle

Joy Snyder of The Impassioned Patriots displays and sells Trump merchandise at a stand along Highway 8 on Wednesday, November 6th. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

As former President Donald Trump took office for a second consecutive term on Tuesday, Nov. 5, Butler County residents have no hesitation in continuing to show signs of support for the now president-elect.

“I think its popularity will continue,” said Adams Ridge resident Larry Henn. “The people who supported his candidacy in the elections will continue to do so. You’ll still see MAGA hats and MAGA flags. Probably not to the same extent as before the election, but you will still see that loyalty develop.”

Trump received 79,147 votes in Butler County and led Vice President Kamala Harris by 33 points. His victory makes him the second US president in history to serve non-consecutively: Grover Cleveland did so from 1885–1889 and 1893–1897.

“He treated the working man the way he did,” Henne said. “He set an agenda that catered to middle-class people and working-class people.”

Joy Snyder of The Impassioned Patriots got up early to open her Trump merchandise booth located just off Highway 8.

“I’m so lucky to be here,” she said. “I met so many wonderful people you wouldn’t believe it. All Trump people are so sincere and wonderful. It’s like one big family. Everyone is friendly and cordial to each other and wants to rebuild our country.”

Snyder, who moved to Middlesex Township from Allegheny County, said Trump’s popularity will stand the test of time.

“He’s basically a legend now,” she said. “He will definitely become an even bigger legend as time goes on. Every part of his acceptance speech was phenomenal.”

Over the past few months, Snyder has made a host of new friends by setting up shop in a barn full of Trump-themed clothing, buttons, flags, posters and pins. She is in contact with a number of these people, many of whom share Snyder’s views on what Trump can do in the next four years.

“I think the world will be a better place and a safer place,” said Kathy Hudick, who stopped to say hello on her way to see her father in Butler. “Now we can afford a lot and be happy again. I have never felt so happy, relieved and stress-free in a long time.”

Joy Snyder of The Impassioned Patriots holds a “Welcome Back, President Trump” campaign button at a Trump merchandise stand on Route 8 on Wednesday, November 6. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Joy Snyder of the group Passionate Patriots holds a “Welcome Back, President Trump” campaign button at a Trump merchandise stand on Route 8 on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Joy Snyder with The Impassioned Patriots discusses former President Donald Trump’s victory at a Trump merchandise stand on Route 8 on Wednesday, November 6. Morgan Phillips / Butler Eagle

Impassioned Patriots, a Trump merchandise vendor on Route 8, has several Trump items for sale and on display, including pins that read “Welcome Back President Trump,” as seen on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Impassioned Patriots, a Trump merchandise vendor on Route 8, is offering several Trump items for sale and display, including a button that reads “Welcome Back President Trump,” as seen on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

A military truck with Trump paraphernalia sits on Highway 8 on Wednesday, November 6. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

The Impassioned Patriots, a Trump merchandise vendor on Route 8, has several Trump merchandise for sale and display as seen on Wednesday, November 6th. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

A Trump flag flies from a military truck on Highway 8 on Wednesday, November 6. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Impassioned Patriots, a Trump merchandise vendor on Route 8, has several Trump merchandise for sale and display, as seen on Wednesday, November 6th. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Joy Snyder of Passionate Patriots holds a shirt commemorating the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at her Trump merchandise stand on Highway 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Joy Snyder of The Impassioned Patriots displays and sells Trump merchandise at a stand along Highway 8 on Wednesday, November 6th. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle