Trump Critics Push Back on Claims He Suggested Iran Attack U.S. Cities

Some of President Donald Trump's most frequent media critics are pushing back against interpretations of his recent remarks, rejecting claims that he suggested Iran should "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego.

During a rally in Nebraska, Trump was discussing the war with Iran and the threat of Tehran obtaining a nuclear weapon. He invoked Los Angeles and San Diego, stating, "They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay."

These remarks quickly led to a debate over Trump's intended meaning, with Democrats and some media outlets characterizing them as a suggestion that Iran be allowed to attack the two California cities. California Gov. Gavin Newsom stated, "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. He is deranged and dangerous."

However, several journalists and commentators who have frequently scrutinized Trump have challenged this interpretation. Michael Scherer of The Atlantic wrote on X, "Trump's point here is that if he didn't start a war with Iran, then San Diego and LA would be at risk from nuclear war." CNN fact checker Daniel Dale also stated, "This isn’t a direct quote from Trump, and I very much don’t think it’s a correct paraphrase. Trump has repeatedly argued that the consequences of the war, like higher gas prices, are a small price to pay compared to what an unchecked Iran could allegedly do."

CNN senior reporter Aaron Blake offered a similar interpretation: "My read: The 'small price to pay' comment refers back to the costs of the war -- like gas prices -- not to the idea of Iran nuking LA and SD."

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung addressed the controversy, stating that critics' claims are "not rooted in reality." He clarified, "He was clearly stating U.S. cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran hadn't been stopped. America is safer because of the President. Iran has no nuclear, no navy, no air force, and no money." The White House Rapid Response account further elaborated, "No, he didn't, you buffoons. He was saying the U.S. is fighting to STOP Iran from having the ability to take out LA and San Diego with a nuclear weapon — which they would if they had the chance."