¶ Overview
In 2026, Rick Jackson praised Trump's tariffs and his business decisions, touting that Trump inspired Jackson to run for governor. Jackson refused to criticize tariffs, claiming he was “not going to be blaming the federal government for everything.” Jackson even touted how Trump’s tariffs and tax cuts were growing his wealth. Jackson said he bought stocks when the stock market crashed in April 2025 due to Trump’s tariffs and celebrated making a “80% return in four weeks.” Trump’s tariffs were dooming Georgia’s ranking as 7th in the nation for net exports and harming the state’s key industries of agriculture, automotive manufacturing, construction, and port logistics. Additionally, two-thirds of Georgians believed the tariffs would cause their everyday costs to increase.
In 2026, Jackson called on Americans to “trust” Trump and said he “completely” supported Trump’s war in Iran. In September 2026, Jackson claimed the political environment “has never been worse” due to increases in gas prices and interest rates, failing to mention he supported Trump’s war in Iran, which led to increased costs in Georgia. As Georgia farmers faced high fuel prices due to the Iran war and higher costs due to Trump's tariffs, Jackson argued he “can't control what the federal government does” and claimed “things happen to us, whether it's tariffs, wars, all these thing that are happening, that we don't have control over.” Jackson backed Governor Kemp's decision to suspend the gas tax as the Iran war drove costs up. Trump's war of choice with Iran drove up Georgians' gas prices and squeezed Georgia farmers. Fertilizer costs soared and Georgians braced for higher utility bills as the war prolonged. The Iran war disrupted shipping at Georgia ports and slammed Georgia exporters with uncertainty and increased insurance costs. The war also led to Georgia airlines raising their baggage fees and experts warned of reverberating price shocks from increased jet fuel prices.
¶ Rick Jackson Celebrated How Trump’s Tariffs Growing His Wealth, While Trump’s Tariffs Were Harming Georgia’s Key Industries And Increasing Costs For Georgians
¶ Jackson Praised Trump’s Tariff Policies And Business Decisions, And Refused To Criticize Tariffs
¶ Jackson Refused To Criticize Federal Trade Tariffs, Claiming He Was “Not Going To Be Blaming The Federal Government For Everything”
September 20206: Jackson Refused To Criticize Federal Trade Tariffs, Claiming He Was “Not Going To Be Blaming The Federal Government For Everything” Even As Tariffs Were Squeezing Farmers. According to Atlanta News First, "When asked if he supports the federal trade tariffs squeezing agricultural margins, Jackson point-blank refused to criticize Washington. ‘I’m not going to be blaming the federal government for everything,’ Jackson said. ‘I never grew up blaming other people and becoming a victim.’" [Atlanta News First, 9/24/26]
¶ Jackson Praised Trump’s Tariff Policies
April 2026: Jackson Praised Trump’s Tariff Policies, Claiming He “Believe[d] In Fairness” And Did Not Want “Want Somebody To Take Advantage Of Us In A Business Transaction.” According to Fox News, “Jackson has also drawn himself closer to Trump by praising his tariff policies. ‘I believe in fairness,’ Jackson said in March. ‘Don't want somebody to take advantage of us in a business transaction. That's what he's trying to do. So I support.’” [Fox News, 4/27/26]
¶ Jackson Said Trump Inspired Him To Run For Governor And Lauded Trump’s Business Decisions As “Unbelievable"
April 2026: Jackson Said Trump Inspired Him To Run For Governor, Lauded Trump’s Business Decisions As “Unbelievable,” And Said He Would Run The State Of Georgia Like Trump Ran The Federal Government. According to Rick Jackson’s interview on the Scott Jennings Podcast, "JENNINGS: Rick, welcome to the Scott Jennings show. Great to have you with us. I want to start here. You entered the race only back in February. What inspired you to run for governor of Georgia? JACKSON: Well, President Trump inspired me. What he is doing from a business standpoint is just unbelievable. I’ve interacted several times with the Trump administration on business issues. And I just thought that to have somebody running the state of Georgia like he does, the federal government would really be very productive and really work. So that's why I decided to run." [Rick Jackson Interview – Scott Jennings Podcast, 4/20/26] (VIDEO)
¶ Rick Jackson Celebrated Making An “80% Return In Four Weeks” When The Stock Market Crashed In April 2025 Due To Trump’s Tariffs
¶ During A Meet-And-Greet In Thomasville, Rick Jackson “Celebrated How Tariffs And Tax Cuts Are Growing His Wealth”
March 6, 2026: During A Meet-And-Greet In Thomasville, Rick Jackson “Celebrated How Tariffs And Tax Cuts Are Growing His Wealth.” According to the American Journal-News, “Rick Jackson, a Republican candidate for Georgia governor, celebrated how tariffs and tax cuts are growing his wealth, even as those same policies push working people into poverty. Jackson is the billionaire founder and CEO of Jackson Healthcare, a medical staffing company based in Alpharetta. He launched his campaign last month. He made the remarks during a March 6 meet-and-greet in Thomasville when a voter asked for his opinion of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), a GOP-backed law that will cut $1 trillion from Medicaid, primarily to fund tax breaks for wealthy people and big corporations. ‘We extended the tax deductions, which are good,’ Jackson said. ‘If [Trump] hadn’t passed it—I’ll be honest with you—I’d be paying 40% more in taxes right now. I’d rather that money go to nonprofits than the federal government, so I like that part.’” [American Journal-News, 3/20/26]
¶ Rick Jackson Touted Buying Stocks When The Stock Market Crashed In April 2025 Due To Trump’s Tariffs And Celebrated Making An “80% Return In Four Weeks”
Rick Jackson Touted Buying Stocks When The Stock Market Crashed In April 2025 Due To Trump’s Tariffs And Touted Making An “80% Return In Four Weeks.” According to the American Journal-News, “Jackson boasted at the same March 6 event about the positive effect President Donald Trump’s tariff policy had on his stock portfolio. ‘The stock market went down last April when Trump announced [tariffs],’ Jackson said. ‘I went and bought options on the day that happened because I knew that was crazy and made an 80% return in four weeks.’” [American Journal-News, 3/20/26]
- April 2-4, 2025: The U.S. Stock Market Crashed As Trump’s Tariffs “Escalated A Global Trade War And Wiped Out Trillions Of Dollars In Value.” According to NPR, “Wall Street plummeted for a second straight day on Friday, as President Trump's tariffs escalated a global trade war and wiped out trillions of dollars in value from the U.S. stock market. The two-day selloff served as the financial community's most brutal warning yet about the potential fallout of Trump's trade policy. Investors, businesses, and consumers are all expressing mounting terror about how these sweeping new taxes could upend the global economy.” [NPR, 4/4/25]
¶ Trump’s Tariffs Were Hurting Small Businesses, Families And Key Industries In Georgia, And Threatening Georgia’s Ranking As 7Th In The Nation For net Exports
2024: The Georgia Chamber Of Commerce Reported That Georgia Was “Especially Vulnerable” To Trump’s Tariffs Because The State Ranked 7th Nationally For Net Exports, Exporting $53.1 Billion In Goods And Importing $145.6 Billion. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, “With a robust global trade profile, Georgia is especially vulnerable to the fallout, according to a report from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. In 2024, the state set records with $53.1 billion in exports and $145.6 billion in imports, ranking 7th nationally for net exports. Georgia’s goods reached nearly 300 global markets. To help businesses prepare, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce released a comprehensive analysis titled ‘Tariffs Briefing: April 2025 – New U.S. Tariffs + Potential Georgia Impact.’ The report outlines specific threats to agriculture, automotive manufacturing, construction, and port logistics.” [FOX 5 Atlanta, 4/8/25]
- The Georgia Chamber Of Commerce Reported The Tariffs Most Threatened The State’s Agriculture, Automotive Manufacturing, Construction, And Port Logistics Industries. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, “To help businesses prepare, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce released a comprehensive analysis titled ‘Tariffs Briefing: April 2025 – New U.S. Tariffs + Potential Georgia Impact.’ The report outlines specific threats to agriculture, automotive manufacturing, construction, and port logistics.” [FOX 5 Atlanta, 4/8/25]
Trump’s Tariffs Threatened Georgia’s Agricultural Industry, Which Produced “Far More Than The Local Market Demands,” And Relied On Exports To Other Countries, With A “Significant Share” Going To China. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “And Savannah’s booming ports are bracing for a slowdown as tariff threats and other business headwinds exact a toll on global shipping. Georgia imports more from China than from any other country, although the share of Chinese goods coming through the Savannah port is shrinking. Few sectors are more vulnerable than agriculture, Georgia’s largest industry. State farmers produce far more than the local market demands, and much of that is shipped overseas. A significant share goes to China, the epicenter of the trade battle.” [Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 4/18/25]
April 2025 Morning Consult Survey: More Than Two-Thirds Of Georgia Voters Believed Tariffs Would “Push Up Prices On Everyday Goods,” And A Majority Said They Were “Already Cutting Back On Spending, Avoiding Big Purchases, Or Stocking Up Before Price Hikes Hit.” According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “And economic anxiety is already showing up in polling. A Morning Consult survey released this month found more than two-thirds of Georgia voters believe tariffs will push up prices on everyday goods. A majority say they are already cutting back on spending, avoiding big purchases or stocking up before price hikes hit.” [Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 4/18/25]
¶ Rick Jackson Supported The War In Iran Even As The War Led To Increased Costs In Georgia
¶ Rick Jackson Called On Americans To “Trust” Trump As “He Continues To Take On This Challenge In Iran” And Said He “Completely” Supported Trump’s War In Iran
April 2026: Jackson Lauded Trump As A “Master Negotiator,” And Called On Americans To “Trust Him” As “He Continues To Take On This Challenge In Iran.” According to Rick Jackson’s Twitter, “President Trump has proven time and time again he's a master negotiator, is tough as nails, and never backs down when it comes to putting America First and keeping our nation safe. We should all trust him, and pray for him as he continues to take on this challenge in Iran.”
[Twitter, @RickJacksonGA, 4/7/26]
March 2026: Jackson Said He “Completely” Supported Trump’s Military Operations In Iran. According to the LaGrange Daily News, “‘Nobody supports him more than I do now. And from an ideological standpoint, I believe what he's doing is just an absolutely amazing job at the business decisions he's making. I completely support what he's doing in Iran.’” [LaGrange Daily News, 3/31/26]
¶ Rick Jackson Said The Political Environment For Republicans “Has Never Been Worse” Due To Increases In Diesel Prices And Interest Rates, But Argued He “Can't Control What The Federal Government Does”
September 2026: Jackson Said The Political Environment For Republicans “Has Never Been Worse” Due To Increases In Diesel Prices And Interest Rates. According to Jackson on 11 Alive News (WXIA-NBC), “But I want you to know it is not going to be easy. This state is no longer red. It is not red. It is down the middle, and I am telling you the environment, the anti-Republican, the anti-DC, with all the diesel going up to $6, interest rates going up, it has never been worse.” [Rick Jackson – 11 Alive News (WXIA-NBC), 9/21/26] (VIDEO)
¶ As Georgia Famers Faced High Fuel Prices Due To The Iran War And Higher Costs Due To Tariffs, Jackson Argued He “Can’t Control What The Federal Government Does”
As Georgia Famers Faced High Fuel Prices Due To The Iran War And Higher Costs Due To Tariffs, Jackson Argued He “Can’t Control What The Federal Government Does” But He Could “Control Whatever We Can To Make It Better.” According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Georgia’s agriculture industry contributes more than $91 billion to the state’s economy each year, but farmers are facing growing pressures driven by high fuel costs, the impact of tariffs and an increasingly unpredictable climate. During a visit to Cagle’s Farm in Cherokee County, Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson announced a slate of agriculture policy proposals he’d advocate for if elected. Jackson said state leaders have to craft solutions to the industry’s problems — whether caused by climate challenges or decision-making in Washington, D.C ‘I can’t control what the federal government does,’ he said, ‘But what I can do is control whatever we can to make it better.’ High fuel prices have persisted for months since the start of the war in Iran, driving up costs for households and businesses." [Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 9/25/26]
¶ Jackson: “Things Happen To Us, Whether It’s Tariffs, Wars, All These Things That Are Happening, That We Don’t Have Control Over”
Jackson Argued He “Can’t Control Everybody Else” And That “Things Happen To Us, Whether It’s Tariffs, Wars, All These Things That Are Happening, That We Don’t Have Control Over.” According to 11 Alive, "I’ve learned in business, I can’t control everybody else. I can only control us. And we’re going to have things happen to us, whether it’s tariffs, wars, all these things that are happening, that we don’t have control over,' Jackson said." [11 Alive, 9/24/26]
¶ Jackson Lauded Governor Kemp’s Decision To Suspend The Gas Tax As The Iran War Drove Costs Up
Jackson Backed Kemp’s Decision To Suspend The Gas Tax As The War In Iran Tightened Fuel Supply And Drove Costs Up. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "That decision opened a rift in the race to succeed him. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms pressed Kemp to continue the suspension, arguing that Georgians ‘can’t afford a hike in fuel costs.’ Republican nominee Rick Jackson backed Kemp’s decision. The U.S. war against Iran has left the Strait of Hormuz in a monthslong stalemate that has tightened fuel supply, spreading higher costs across the economy." [Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 9/28/26]
Jackson Lauded Governor Kemp’s Decision To Suspend The Gas Tax And Promoted His Plan To Implement An Automatic Gas Tax Suspension During An International Conflict, Hurricane, Or Outside Event That Drives Fuel Prices High. According to Rick Jackson’s Twitter, "This is 100% the right move by Governor Kemp and I applaud him for it. Georgia families and farmers need relief at the pump. Whether it's an international conflict, hurricane, or other outside event that sends fuel prices sharply higher, when I'm governor we'll ensure it's triggered automatically. Governor Brian P. Kemp @GovKemp Over the last few years, we’ve partnered with the General Assembly to provide billions of dollars of relief for hardworking Georgians. Today, I’m again suspending the state gas tax to help families and small businesses at the pump."
[Twitter, @RickJacksonGA, 9/28/26]
¶ The War In Iran Caused Higher Gas Prices In Georgia And Squeezed Georgia Farmers Who Faced Increased Losses From Higher Fuel And Fertilizer Prices
¶ September 2026: Georgians Were Paying An Average Of $4.10 Per Gallon, A $1.39 Increase From Before The Iran War
Georgia Gas Prices Skyrocketed Amid The War And Experts Warned Those Higher Prices Become “Embedded” As The War Prolonged. According to WALB, “Analysts say escalating tension around major shipping routes — including the Strait of Hormuz — can push global energy markets higher, and Georgia consumers feel those increases quickly. AAA reported Tuesday that regular gas is averaging $3.73 per gallon in Georgia and diesel is averaging $5.30 per gallon. Chris Gaffney, managing director of Georgia Tech’s Supply Chain and Logistics Institute, said when higher fuel costs persist, businesses begin factoring them into prices that reach consumers. ‘Once we’re after four weeks, it’s starting to show up embedded in those costs,’ Gaffney said.” [WALB, 4/7/26]
AAA: As Of September 24, 2026, Georgians Were Paying $4.1077 For Gas. According to AAA,
[AAA, Accessed 9/24/26]
¶ May 2026: The Metro Atlanta Experienced A 50 Percent Gas Increase Since The Iran War Began
Week Of May 8, 2026: The Metro Atlanta Experienced A 50 Percent Gas Increase Since The Iran War Began In Late February, With Georgians In Atlanta Experiencing Gas Prices Greater Than $4 Per Gallon. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Metro Atlanta gas prices shot up above $4 per gallon this week, soaring about 50% higher since the Iran war began in late February. The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted energy production and shipping through a critical export route known as the Strait of Hormuz, where about a fifth of the world’s crude oil and natural gas flows. The average price for regular unleaded gas in metro Atlanta was $4.20 per gallon Friday morning, up about 35 cents from a week ago, according to AAA. The average price for a gallon of diesel in metro Atlanta was about $5.23, AAA data show, up about 24 cents from last week’s price."
[Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 5/8/26]
¶ Before The Iran War Began, Georgians Were Paying An Average Gas Price Of $2.71 Per Gallon
AAA: As Of February 18, 2026, Georgians Were Paying An Average Gas Price Of $2.71 Per Gallon. According to List Wire, "While many watch with hope as the U.S. economy remains in a balancing act, one area of continued improvement has come from the unlikeliest of places: the gas pump. Heading toward March 2026, the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.92. That's a decrease from February 2025, when the price was close to $3.16. How does the current average compare to your state's price for a gallon of regular unleaded? Here is the breakdown at the pump for all 50 states, according to AAA… [...] Georgia Average gas price: $2.71" [List Wire, 2/18/26]
February 28, 2026: The U.S. Launched Strikes Against Iran And Iran Retaliated Against American Military Bases. According to the New York Times, "Feb. 28: The United States and Israel launched strikes across Iran, hitting a government compound in Tehran and military targets. The blasts killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the nation’s supreme leader for almost 37 years, as well as other high-level military and intelligence leaders. At least 175 people, most of them likely children, were killed in a strike on a girls’ elementary school in southern Iran, health officials and Iranian state media said. The strike was a targeting mistake by the U.S. military, according to U.S. officials familiar with a military investigation. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Israel and at U.S. military bases in the region, including in Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates." [New York Times, 5/2/26]
¶ The War In Iran Squeezed Georgia Farmers Who Faced Increased Losses From Higher Fuel And Fertilizer Prices
The War Squeezed Georgia Farmers Who Faced Increased Losses From Higher Fuel And Fertilizer Prices. According to WMAZ, “Fertilizer is among the most immediate concerns. Producing nitrogen fertilizer is an energy-intensive process that relies heavily on petroleum. The Middle East supplies an estimated 40% to 50% of internationally traded nitrogen fertilizer, and analysts say urea — a key crop nutrient — has already risen roughly $70 per ton in some U.S. markets since tensions escalated. For Taylor County peanut and cattle farmer Michael Knowles, those numbers are not abstract. He said his operation is already projecting losses of around $200 per acre on peanuts and $150 per acre on corn — before any additional cost increases from the conflict. ‘There's been some predictions that fertilizer will go up another $100 a ton on top of losing money as it is,’ Knowles said. ‘Fuel is gonna go up. Fertilizers is predicted to go up maybe another $100 a ton. And the prices of all of our commodities is down cheaper than they should be, so we're already in — backs up against the wall pretty bad already.’” [WMAZ, 3/4/26]
- Increased Prices From The War Forced Existing Farms To Close And Discouraged Future Farmers. According to WMAZ, “Knowles said the situation is discouraging a new generation from entering the industry. Equipment costs have doubled or tripled, interest payments are punishing and loans are harder to secure. Farm bankruptcies, he said, are climbing. ‘You look around and your neighbors are going out of business,’ Knowles said. ‘Used to there was a bunch of farmers in every county, and now you're down to just four or five.’” [WMAZ, 3/4/26]
Georgia Farmers Claimed The War In Iran Increased Prices That Made “A Huge Difference For A Small Farm.” According to CBS News, “Gas prices have continued to rise as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has disrupted the flow of oil. In Georgia, farmers are feeling the impact of the price spike. Matt Jordan delivers around 300 pounds of mushrooms to the DeKalb Farmers Market every week from the Ellijay Mushrooms farm. ‘These are our most popular—straight from the farm, shiitake mushrooms,’ he said. Jordan makes multiple daily deliveries to grocery stores. With rising diesel gas prices, he's feeling the pain in his wallet. ‘From $4 to going on $6 is a huge difference for a small farm,’ he said. ‘We go through probably 130 gallons of diesel a week, and that makes a big difference. It really adds up.’” [CBS News, 3/13/26]
War Shocks And Increased Fertilizer Costs Added Inflationary Pressure On Georgia Farmers And Drove Up Food Prices. According to WALB, “Experts said food prices could be a slower, but significant, impact — especially for Georgia agriculture. Emory University supply chain professor Nikolay Osadchiy said fertilizer and other farm inputs often follow energy prices. ‘That is going to probably add a little bit of inflationary pressure towards the end of the year,’ Osadchiy said. The American Farm Bureau Federation has also warned that volatility in energy markets and shipping through the Persian Gulf can reverberate through global fertilizer supplies.” [WALB, 4/7/26]
¶ Georgia Gas Prices Skyrocketed Amid The War And Georgians Braced For An Increase On Their Utility Bills From The War’s Increased Natural Gas Prices
Georgians Braced For An Increase On Their Utility Bills From The War’s Increased Natural Gas Prices. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “If shipping remains impacted, Georgians could also see an uptick in their utility bills from the war. Global natural gas prices have increased since the fighting began. As the world’s top natural gas producer, the U.S. is likely better insulated from the market’s volatility than Europe or Asia. Still, it’s possible a prolonged Middle East conflict could raise natural gas prices in the U.S., which could eventually trickle into Georgia customers’ monthly utility bills.” [Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 3/4/26]
¶ The War Disrupted Shipping At Georgia Ports And Slammed Georgia Exporters With Uncertainty And Increased Insurance Costs
The War Disrupted Shipping At Georgia Ports And Slammed Georgia Exporters With Uncertainty And Increased Insurance Costs. According to WALB, “Georgia’s ports and exporters could face additional disruptions. With increased detours and higher insurance costs, cargo schedules can shift quickly at the Port of Savannah. Exporters — including poultry shippers — may have to rebook shipments if routes through the Strait of Hormuz remain threatened, Gaffney said. ‘That box just got dropped off on the last best port,’ he said, describing how carriers can redirect cargo during major disruptions.” [WALB, 4/7/26]
¶ The War In Iran Led To Georgia Airlines Raising Their Baggage Fees And Experts Warned Of Reverberating Price Shocks From Increased Jet Fuel Prices
The War In Iran Led To Georgia Airlines Raising Their Baggage Fees And Experts Warned Of Reverberating Price Shocks From Increased Jet Fuel Prices. According to WALB, “Higher fuel prices can also hit travel out of Atlanta. Gaffney said jet fuel is a major expense for airlines, and prolonged increases can push up fares and fees and potentially reduce some international routes. ‘You may see curtailing of some of those international flights,’ he said. Delta and JetBlue both raised baggage fees in response to rising fuel prices.” [WALB, 4/7/26]