Trump Says Loss of LA and San Diego Small Price

President Donald Trump suggested during a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, that Iran could "take out" the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego. Discussing high fuel prices resulting from the ongoing war with Iran, Trump characterized the potential destruction of these cities as a "small price to pay" for maintaining global and national security.

California officials responded with widespread condemnation. Governor Gavin Newsom described the president as "deranged and dangerous," asserting that Trump is advocating for an attack on over 10 million U.S. residents. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned that the remarks could compromise city safety, stating the role of a president is to protect the country rather than encourage attacks on American lives. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria rejected the notion that his city is "collateral damage" or "expendable."

The comments occur against the backdrop of a conflict initiated by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 28. The United States Department of Defense estimates the war with Iran has cost $43 billion and resulted in the deaths of 19 U.S. soldiers. The political tension arrives as Republicans and Democrats compete for control of Congress in the November midterm elections.