Trump’s remarks about the possibility of Iran attacking two major cities in California sparked reactions

🔸Donald Trump, the U.S. president, on Monday, Oct. 13 (Mehr 13), speaking to his supporters in the U.S. state of Nebraska, said Iran may be able to “target” major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles or San Diego.

🔸The remarks were met with strong reactions from officials of the Democratic Party in California and even some Republicans.

🔸At a political rally in Nebraska’s agricultural region, Trump spoke about the economic costs of war for the United States and said he is determined to achieve a “great victory,” because, according to him, such a victory proves that the actions the United States has taken were right.

🔸Speaking to his supporters in Grand Island, Nebraska, he said: “And once again, remember, when it comes to war, this [price increases] is temporary, a little high; the small price that has to be paid.”

🔸Trump apparently referred to rising fuel, fertilizer, and other goods prices, which are attributed to disruptions in energy markets caused by the war.

🔸He added: “A very small price to keep the world safe, to keep our country safe. They (Iran) can target a city. Let them target Los Angeles, let them target San Diego. It’s a very small price and it will end very soon.”

🔸The U.S. president then went on to say, regarding tensions with Iran: “Basically, it’s almost over. But it will end very soon and in whatever way, it will be over.”

Gavin Newsom, the Democratic governor of California, called the U.S. president “dangerous.”

🔸He wrote on the social media platform X: “After sending the National Guard and Marines to occupy California, Donald Trump now says our foreign enemies should target Los Angeles and San Diego.”

🔸Newsom, who is considered among the potential Democratic Party nominees for the 2028 presidential election, released a video of Trump’s remarks in Nebraska alongside references to the former U.S. president’s earlier comments about deploying military forces to Los Angeles and other cities to combat crime and enforce immigration laws.

🔸Karen Bass, the Democratic mayor of Los Angeles and a former U.S. congresswoman, also criticized Trump’s remarks.

🔸In a statement, Bass said: “The president of the United States is suggesting that a foreign government should attack Los Angeles. His remarks about our city are dangerous and could put our safety at risk.”

🔸Todd Gloria, the Democratic mayor of San Diego, also wrote on X: “We are never a ‘small price.’ Keep our city away from reckless talk about war.”

🔸Jim Desmond, a Republican politician in California who is running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, also distanced himself from Trump’s remarks.

🔸On X, he wrote: “I strongly disagree with the president’s statements. The U.S. should stand up to Iran and defend our interests, but the first responsibility of the commander in chief of the armed forces is to protect the American people and our land.”

🔸Desmond added: “No American city is dispensable, and no American family should ever be treated as collateral damage.”