Stagecoach fans split on whether Trump has US headed in the right direction

In a dusty corner of the California desert, the national anthem blares on speakers, waking patriots to another day at one of the world’s largest country music festivals.

This year, Stagecoach, headlined by Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and Post Malone, is drawing nearly 80,000 people a day to Indio, California, to hear some of the biggest names in country music.

Fox News Digital spoke to festival attendees about the state of the country, whether the American dream is still achievable, and what issues need to be addressed ahead of America’s 250th birthday.

Stagecoach attendees were divided when asked whether the country was heading in the right direction as opinions were mixed on President Donald Trump’s war with Iran.

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““I think the Iran War is a complete waste of our resources,” Cole Stern said. “But I would still say that in terms of places where I really enjoy living and places where I can pursue my dreams, this is one of the best places to do it.”

“We must take care of ourselves before we start worrying about others.” Abel Flores said. “We’re self-sufficient, we should probably do that for a while.”

“It’s heading in a positive direction, but I don’t think it’s very good,” Dan Payne said.

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“I’d say it’s 50-50 right now,” Annette Flores said. ““I don’t agree with some of the things that are going on, I agree with others, but it’s pretty divided.”

But Zach Maurus, who attended the festival, said Trump’s entry into the Middle East conflict came with territory under American military dominance.

President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday, February 28, 2026 that the United States has launched an attack on Iran and is reportedly considering supporting militias to overthrow the regime. (White House via X Account/Anadolu/Contributor/Getty Images via Getty Images)

“We are far ahead in innovation, as if there is no other country that compares,” Maurus told Fox News Digital. “Obviously, we’re not a hegemony militarily either, so we’re going to have to get involved in international politics, and that comes with some costs of being involved in international conflicts, which is part of being the most dominant army in the world.”

Despite concerns about the Iran War, most Stagecoach participants gave relatively high scores for the state of America when asked to rate the country on a scale of one to ten.

“I would say eight right now,” Abel Flores said. “I think there are a lot of things going on right now that make it so unstable.”

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“I think it’s around eight, to be honest. I think it’s a great country. I love it here,” Payne said. “But I see opportunities for improvement. I think it can be a lot better than it is. If we learn to accept each other a little more… I think it can definitely be 11.”

Stagecoach participants Stern and Maurus expressed more positive ratings, pointing to personal freedoms as justification for their perfect ten.

“I’d give it a 10 because whether you’re left or right, you have the freedom to do whatever you want, and that’s something that’s not available to most people in this world,” Stern said. he said.

Festival goers attend the 2026 Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 24, 2026 in Indio, California. (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

“I’ll say 10,” Maurus added. “I think America is the freest country in the world. Obviously there are problems, but it’s still the freest country. We have freedom of speech, we have the ability to make the most of our lives, and I don’t think that’s true of other countries.”

Stagecoach attendees continued to tell Fox News Digital about the problems they believe need to be fixed before America’s 250th birthday, pointing to concerns ranging from conflicts abroad to political division at home.

“We have to fix the Strait of Hormuz, the oil markets, they are crazy,” Maurus said. “I think we should open the strait regardless of the Iran War, this is a separate issue. The main thing is to ensure that oil does not rise above 100 per barrel.”

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“I think America needs to come, we need to be united again, not against each other,” Annette Flores said. “Left and right, I think it would be better if we all came together and supported everyone and respected everyone’s opinion.”

Fox News Digital also asked festival attendees whether the American dream is still within reach, especially among younger generations trying to find their place in an economy where homeownership is out of reach for many.

In 2026, nearly 80,000 people attended the three-day country music festival starring Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and Post Malone. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

“I think it’s achievable. It’s definitely harder,” Payne said. “I have a 22-year-old daughter. I know what challenges the younger generation will face as far as buying a house and achieving the American dream. This can be done, it can be done much better.”

“I want to start a company. I want to run a business, and this is probably the best place to do that,” Stern said.

Other participants expressed concern that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence could complicate the path to the American dream.

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“Yes, in 2026,” Maurus added. “We’ll see how long it takes if AI automates everything, then the job market will probably be pretty crappy. But for now… for the next few years, yeah.”

Stagecoach attendees used words like diversity, freedom and patriotism to describe America in conversations with Fox News Digital, and one concertgoer highlighted a patriotic moment that happens every day at 6 a.m. at the festival’s campground.

The American flag is depicted on a trailer at Stagecoach campgrounds. Stagecoach participants can camp overnight in tents or caravans on the festival grounds throughout the three-day festival. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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“We camp here and the national anthem plays in the morning. Everyone stops what they’re doing and respects that, which is great,” Abel Flores said. he said.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, Stagecoach regulars argue that the country is still struggling, but they also express hope for what could be.

Next year opens a new chapter for the country and the national anthem will once again greet campers at sunrise at Stagecoach.