GRAND ISLAND: US President Donald Trump called Iran war costs a small price for national safety at a Nebraska rally on Monday, then described Los Angeles and San Diego as possible targets.
While discussing higher fuel prices, Trump argued that military action was necessary to protect the country. He then referred to Iran’s potential ability to destroy an American city.
“Let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego,” Trump said. However, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung rejected suggestions that the president was encouraging attacks.
Writing on social media on Tuesday, he said Trump meant US cities faced a potential threat without action against a nuclear-armed Iran.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom interpreted the remarks differently. He accused Trump of encouraging foreign attacks and described his comments as dangerous.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned that the language could compromise residents’ safety. She argued that protecting American lives was the president’s responsibility.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also objected, insisting that residents must never be treated as expendable.
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Criticism extended to Republican congressional candidate Jim Desmond, who is running in the San Diego area. The Navy veteran argued that defending Americans should take priority over treating cities as an acceptable cost of war.
Trump also portrayed the conflict as nearly finished and predicted it would end soon.
