MSNBC host Joe Scarborough expressed disbelief and strong criticism regarding comments made by former President Donald Trump at a rally in Grand Island, Nebraska. Trump, discussing fuel prices and the ongoing conflict, stated, “They could take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.”
Scarborough questioned the intent and judgment behind such remarks, asking, “Is that where we are?” He pointed out the historical rarity of any U.S. president, particularly post-Civil War, making statements that could be interpreted as advocating for the destruction of American cities. He further characterized the comments as "not funny if you're an American who actually believes that presidents should do more than divide us."
While the White House later asserted that Trump's remarks implied U.S. cities would be threatened if action was not taken, Scarborough drew parallels between these comments and Trump's previous mockery of Paul Pelosi, the husband of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, following a violent home invasion.
Scarborough contrasted Trump's remarks with historical presidential conduct, suggesting that the security of the nation, especially in a context of conflict initiated by the president, was not a subject for jest. He concluded by reiterating his shock that the president of the United States would joke about the potential "obliteration" of major U.S. cities like San Diego and Los Angeles.