Trump says Iran war ‘upset the apple cart’ as gas prices hit four-year high

THE VILLAGES, FLORIDA: Donald Trump openly acknowledged that his decision to take on Iran has had economic consequences, telling supporters that rising gas prices were a direct result of his actions.

Speaking on Friday, May 1, at The Villages High School gym, the president said he knew the move would “upset the apple cart,” even as he defended it as necessary.

The remarks came as gas prices climbed sharply and economic concerns continued to grow.

Donald Trump links Iran decision to rising gas prices

Trump made it clear that he understood the impact his decision would have before taking action.

“Oil prices were very low,” he said, recalling a conversation with his financial team.

“I said congratulations. Now I’m going to upset the apple cart for you because we have to take a little journey down to a beautiful country known as Iran…”

He tied that decision directly to current economic conditions, including the spike in fuel costs.

Gas prices have risen significantly in recent days, reaching $4.39 a gallon after jumping 33 cents in a week.

Trump defends move despite economic fallout

While acknowledging the impact, Trump stood firm on his decision.

“You know we’re in a war,” he told the crowd, framing the situation as unavoidable.

“I think you would agree we cannot let lunatics have a nuclear weapon. Do you agree?” he asked, drawing loud approval from supporters.

Trump admitted the move came with risks.

“But I did something that was, I don’t know, foolish, brave, but it was smart,” he said. “I would do it again.”

He also revealed he had expected worse economic fallout.

“I thought the stock market would go down much more. I thought the oil prices would go up much more,” he said, adding, “But we have no choice whether it does or doesn’t.”

Strong support from crowd despite rising costs

Despite rising prices, the mood inside the venue remained strongly in Trump’s favor.

Thousands of supporters gathered at the event, with some waiting hours just to get inside.

One attendee, Kim Peterson, said she arrived nearly a full day early.

“I got here yesterday at 3 pm and have been up all night, just waiting to see President Trump,” she said.

Others acknowledged the economic strain but said they were willing to accept it.

The Villages resident Stephanie Rice said things may be “a little bit tough for a while,” but added, “Sometimes you’ve got to feel a bit of pain before we get some relief.”

Small business owner Jeff Nuce echoed that sentiment.

“Sometimes you just got to take a stand, and sometimes you’re going to take a hurt,” he said, adding that he trusts Trump to turn things around.

Speech covers broader economic and political themes

Trump’s speech, which lasted about 90 minutes, covered a wide range of topics beyond gas prices.

He touched on issues affecting seniors, including taxes, retirement savings, Medicare, and prescription drug costs.

He also spoke about immigration enforcement and defended ICE agents, criticizing what he described as the “abuse they have to take from Democrats.”