Georgia Rally: Trump Defends Iran War, Gas Prices

President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, on Saturday while campaigning for Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson and other down-ballot races.

The event took place as gas prices in the state reached $3.66 per gallon, a sharp increase from the $2.72 average recorded in February before the Iran war began. Iranian attacks on shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz have driven global oil prices higher. According to Pew research, about 65% of Americans disapprove of the president's handling of the conflict. Trump’s approval rating in Georgia stands at 36%, while his disapproval rating is 64%.

Despite the economic pressures, attendees expressed confidence in the administration’s direction. Gloria Barkman, a local voter, said she supports Trump because he delivers on promises. “I know people are upset because things don't look good with the gas and everything like that, but give him time and they'll be seeing the difference,” Barkman said. Air Force veteran Jim Taylor argued that higher pump prices are an acceptable trade-off to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. “I'm very, very proud that he was at least willing to step up and do what had to be done,” Taylor said. TJ Barb praised the creation of Trump Accounts, investment vehicles established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, noting the financial benefits for children.

During his speech, Trump told voters to treat him as if he were on the ballot on November 3. He claimed oil prices would fall soon and cited an inflation rate of 1.7% over the previous three months. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an annual CPI inflation rate of 3.7% in September. Trump is running alongside Rep. Mike Collins, who is challenging Sen. Jon Ossoff for a Senate seat. Republicans need to win this race to maintain their majority in the Senate. Ossoff won the seat in a 2021 runoff by a margin of 1.22%. Trump won Georgia in the 2024 presidential election by 2.2%.

Rep. John Salvesen, the Republican nominee for Georgia's 5th Congressional District, called Collins a superior candidate to Ossoff. “He's a logger. I'm a handyman, and we just didn't like what we saw, so it prompted us to run,” Salvesen said. Barkman said she has followed Collins during his time in the House and praised his personable nature. “He reaches out to the people, and we love him,” Barkman said. Taylor and Barb, both of whom were less familiar with Collins before the campaign, said Trump’s endorsement carried significant weight in their decision to support the ticket. “I would vote for anybody that Trump endorses,” Taylor said.

Meyer Siegfried, a spokesperson for Collins, said the campaign is proud to have Trump in its corner. Siegfried stated in a statement that Collins delivered the Laken Riley Act and cut taxes for families. “Mike Collins is the bipartisan workhorse who will work with anybody to make Georgia safer and more prosperous,” Siegfried said. The next major date on the calendar for these candidates is November 3, when voters will head to the polls.

The rally marked a key stop in the midterm cycle, with Jackson and Collins seeking to turn out voters in a state that swung to Trump in 2024.