Donald Trump Calls Potential Iranian Attacks Small Price to Pay

President Donald Trump suggested during a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, that the potential destruction of Los Angeles or San Diego by Iran would be a "small price to pay" to prevent the nation from acquiring nuclear weapons. He claimed the eight-month conflict, which began in February, is "essentially almost over" and predicted a forthcoming decrease in fuel prices.

California officials responded with sharp condemnation. Governor Gavin Newsom called the president "deranged and dangerous," while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria described the remarks as reckless. Senator Alex Padilla questioned Trump's leadership as Commander in Chief, noting that at least 19 service members have died in the war.

These comments follow Trump's recent assertions that the conflict "should help" Republicans in the November 3 midterm elections. Despite polling from Economist/YouGov showing 63 percent of Americans want the war to end as soon as possible, Trump has argued the war is justified and recently suggested in a Time magazine interview that he might seek to "annihilate" Iran.

During the Nebraska event, Trump also signed an executive order easing tax-free limits on red-dyed diesel to provide relief to farmers before the elections.