Vice President JD Vance made a stop in Stark County Monday morning, where he toured Metallus — formerly TimkenSteel — and addressed a group of steelworkers at the company’s Faircrest plant, championing domestic manufacturing and touting a proposal to eliminate taxes on overtime pay.
“I want the story of this country to be building great things,” Vance said. “Whether you’re a college-educated worker or a non-college-educated worker, I want you to be able to have a dignified job in your community.”
Vance’s visit comes as part of a national tour promoting the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which includes provisions for eliminating federal income tax on overtime wages — a component that drew praise from many in attendance.
Robert Freshour, a Metallus employee who attended the event, said the overtime tax break could make a real difference for workers like him.
“Most of us are working six days a week,” Freshour said. “That extra tax cut could go a long way for families. Everyone I talked to was excited about it.”
Freshour said he found out about the visit Friday and was surprised to see Vance up close.
“I never thought I’d meet the Vice President where I work,” he said. “It was an awesome experience.”
Vance used the platform to challenge Stark County-area Democrats, criticizing U.S. Reps. Emilia Sykes, D-Akron, and Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, for voting against legislation tied to domestic production.
“We need Democrats and Republicans to do their jobs for a change,” Vance said. “Not politicians more interested in attacking the President than investing in communities like this.”
Stark County Republican Party Chair Janet Creighton welcomed the visit, calling it “a strong message of support for American manufacturing.” Creighton, who retired from public service after four decades, said the tariffs and economic incentives discussed by Vance are critical for local industries.
“We’ve seen what happens when we send jobs overseas,” she said. “This administration wants to bring them back — and that’s good for Stark County.”
Stark County Commissioner Richard Regula echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of incentivizing work.
“The idea of not taxing overtime and tips — that resonates here,” Regula said. “If we want to solve the labor shortage, this is one way to do it.”
Regula also raised concerns about changes to Medicaid eligibility, noting that nearly 80,000 residents in the county could lose coverage. He said local leaders will need to work together to ensure that any new work requirements don’t result in unintended consequences.
But not everyone was pleased with Vance’s visit.
A small group of protesters gathered nearby, including Cindy, a Stark County resident who criticized the legislation and the Vice President’s alignment with former President Donald Trump.
“This bill favors billionaires,” she said. “Meanwhile, people are losing their SNAP benefits and healthcare.”
When asked by reporters about the recently released Epstein case files, Vance defended the Trump administration’s stance.
“Donald J. Trump has nothing to hide,” Vance said. “He’s been pushing for full transparency from the beginning, and he’s going to keep doing that.”
Steven Campisi, a legislative organizer for the American Federation of Government Employees, also raised concerns about the legislation’s potential impact on veterans.
“This bill guts Medicaid and hurts workers,” Campisi said. “It’s another blow to the people who’ve already lost so much.”
Despite the criticism, the overall tone at the event was one of enthusiasm — especially among the steelworkers who filled the seats inside the plant. Vance’s visit, his second to the region since becoming Vice President, underscored a political strategy focused on manufacturing towns in battleground states like Ohio.
“This is where America’s strength begins — right here on factory floors like this one,” Vance said. “We’re going to keep building from here.”
