Photo: Getty Images
President Donald Trump is facing backlash after suggesting Iran could “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego while discussing the ongoing war and calling its economic impact a “small price to pay.”.
During a Monday (October 5) campaign rally in Nebraska, Trump discussed the conflict's economic impact and said the financial cost was relatively small compared with what the U.S. had accomplished.
He then appeared to suggest Iran could have gained the capability to attack an American city.
“They can take out a city. Let ’em take out Los Angeles, let ’em take out San Diego,” Trump said. “This is a very small price to pay.”
The comments raised questions about whether Trump was speaking hypothetically or referring to a specific threat from Iran.
The Los Angeles Times reported there was no clear indication his remarks were based on intelligence. U.S. officials have previously said Iran is not currently believed to have the ballistic missile capability to directly strike n the U.S. mainland.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was among the first officials to respond, writing on X, “Keep LA out of your damn mouth.”
In a separate post, Bass said Trump’s remarks were dangerous and could potentially compromise Los Angeles’ safety.
“The role of a president is to protect the country, not to actively threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives,” Bass wrote.
Like Bass, California Governor Gavin Newsom didn’t mince words, calling the president “deranged and dangerous.”
The comments are particularly notable given the cities’ military ties. Los Angeles is home to the Space Systems Command headquarters.
At the same time, San Diego has several major Navy and Marine Corps installations, including Naval Base San Diego and Camp Pendleton, according to CBS News.
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