Donald Trump has suggested that allowing Iran to bomb Los Angeles and San Diego would be a 'small price to pay' in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Speaking at a rally in Nebraska, he described the increased gas prices facing Americans as 'artificial' and 'a little bit high'.
'It's a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe,' he said. 'They can take out a city—let 'em take, let 'em take out Los Angeles, let 'em take out San Diego. That's—this is a very small price to pay.'
Furore over remarks
Trump then pivoted to discussing how Iran could target a large American city if it were allowed to develop nuclear weapons, but his comments have sparked widespread criticism online. No other US President has suggested that a foreign country should bomb or attack a US city as an 'acceptable' cost of a conflict overseas.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the remarks on X, writing: 'Let's be clear: The President is advocating for an attack on 10+ million U.S. residents in two of America's largest cities. This is not normal. None of this is. And we will continue to remind folks of that every day.'
Conflict at a standstill
The conflict in Iran remains at a standstill, with the Strait of Hormuz blocked and gas prices soaring globally. Despite growing discontent with the war, Trump has continued to vow to 'beat the f***ing s***' out of the country.
This week, Trump ordered the removal of all US bombers from RAF Fairford following a specific threat from Iran. Fighter jets, including B-1s and B-2s, were seen flying out of the Gloucestershire base more than a week after it was involved in a suspected attack on September 27. UK military bases, including Fairford, have been on high alert since the incident.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the US was aware of a 'threat', which led to the bombers being moved. 'They didn't fly out by accident. There were some threats and rather than tempting the enemy, we will capture the enemy and beat the enemy. But why should we leave them there?'
