President Donald Trump’s comments about the potential threat Iran poses to U.S. cities have triggered a bipartisan backlash after he said Los Angeles or San Diego being destroyed would be a “small price to pay” for keeping America safe.
Trump Defends Iran War Costs
Speaking at a rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, on Monday, Trump argued that higher fuel, fertilizer and other costs linked to the Iran conflict were relatively minor compared with the threat posed by Iran, Reuters reported.
He said the U.S. was pursuing a “tremendous victory” and suggested that Iran could otherwise have the ability to “take out a city,” specifically naming Los Angeles and San Diego.
Trump said the economic burden was a “small price to pay” for protecting the U.S. and added that the conflict was “essentially almost over” and would end soon.
On Tuesday, the White House defended his remarks. Communications Director Steven Cheung said Trump was referring to the danger U.S. cities could have faced if Iran had developed nuclear weapons.
“America is safer because of the president,” Cheung said, arguing that Iran no longer has a nuclear capability, navy or air force and has been deprived of financial resources.
California Leaders Blast Trump
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) took to X and said, “After sending the National Guard and Marines to occupy California, Donald Trump is now saying our foreign enemies should ‘take out’ Los Angeles and San Diego.”
In a separate post, Newsom said, “Trump’s remarks were dangerous — if not treasonous — putting a target on two of our biggest cities and one of America’s largest naval hubs.”
Republican congressional candidate Jim Desmond, running in a competitive San Diego-area district, also took to X and said, “No American city is expendable, and no American family should ever be treated as collateral damage.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Trump should recognize the weight of his office, arguing that describing the potential deaths of Americans as a “small price to pay” went “beyond the pale.”
Sanders, Schumer Condemn Trump’s Iran Comments
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) said the destruction of two major American cities affecting more than 5 million people could not be considered a “small price to pay.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the comments “deranged” and “delusional,” accusing Trump of treating millions of Americans as collateral damage.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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