US President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego, describing such an attack as a “small price to pay” for US security.
Trump made the remarks during a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, on Monday while discussing the economic impact of the war with Iran.
He was speaking about higher fuel prices, which he described as a consequence of the conflict.
“It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe,” Trump told the crowd.
“They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay,” he added.
Trump also said the war was “essentially almost over with”, while acknowledging that it could continue for longer.
His comments drew criticism from California officials.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the president’s role was to protect Americans rather than encourage attacks on US cities.
“The role of a president is to protect the country, not to actively threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives,” Bass wrote on X.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also rejected the remarks.
“San Diego is not collateral damage. We are not expendable. And we are never a ‘small price to pay.’ Keep our city out of your reckless war talk,” Gloria wrote.
Trump’s comments came as he defended the US military operation against Iran and argued that Americans should accept higher prices as part of the cost of maintaining national security.
The remarks were met with cheers from some people at the rally.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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