Trump sparks backlash after remarks about Iran ‘taking out’ Los Angeles, San Diego

US President Donald Trump has drawn criticism after saying Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego while discussing the economic costs of the United States’ conflict with Tehran.

Trump made the remarks during a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he was discussing rising fuel prices and arguing that Americans were paying a relatively small economic price for what he described as efforts to keep the country and the world safe.

During that discussion, Trump referred to the possibility of Iran attacking an American city and specifically named Los Angeles and San Diego.

He described the potential loss of a city as a “small price to pay” before naming the two California cities, remarks that drew applause from some members of the rally audience.

The President did not provide evidence that Iran currently had plans or the capability to attack either city.

The Los Angeles Times reported that it was unclear whether his comments were based on any intelligence, while noting longstanding US concerns about Iran’s missile and broader military capabilities.

Trump was speaking against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict with Iran that has contributed to higher fuel prices and broader economic pressures in the United States. Recent Reuters reporting said disruptions linked to the Iran war have affected oil supplies, including through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to higher US petrol and diesel prices.

California leaders condemn Trump’s comments

California officials quickly criticised the remarks.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the responsibility of a US president was to protect American cities rather than speak in a way that could be interpreted as encouraging attacks on them.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also rejected any suggestion that his city should be regarded as expendable or as an acceptable cost of war.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a frequent political opponent of Trump, also strongly condemned the remarks.

Republican congressional candidate Jim Desmond, who is running in the San Diego area, criticised Trump as well, saying American cities and lives should not be considered expendable.

The reaction therefore crossed party lines, although the strongest criticism came from California officials.

White House yet to clarify remarks

Reuters reported that the White House did not immediately provide a response explaining or clarifying Trump’s comments.

Some coverage has interpreted the remarks as possibly sarcastic or tongue-in-cheek, but Trump himself had not publicly clarified that interpretation in the latest reporting reviewed for this article.

That distinction is important because the comments were delivered during a campaign-style speech covering the Iran conflict, fuel prices and the November midterm elections rather than as a formal announcement of US foreign policy.

Trump has repeatedly defended US military action involving Iran and argued that the campaign is necessary to prevent Tehran from obtaining or using weapons that could threaten the United States and its allies.

His latest comments have nevertheless intensified debate over the language used by the President when discussing the security of American cities during an active international conflict.