Trump Sparks Outrage With Joke About Iran Attacking Los Angeles and San Diego
California officials condemn former president's remarks at Nebraska rally, calling them 'deranged and dangerous'.
Donald Trump ignited criticism from California Democrats after joking at a rally in Nebraska that the United States should allow Iran to "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego. The former president made the remarks on Monday while defending his administration's actions regarding Iran and explaining higher gas prices.
Speaking in Grand Island, Nebraska, Trump stated that the war with Iran and subsequent higher gas prices were a "small price to pay" for keeping the world safe and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He then quipped that a nuclear Iran "could take out a city," adding, "Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego," as the crowd applauded.
Trump also discussed his efforts to lower diesel prices, noting he had signed an executive order aimed at increasing the availability of the fuel. He attributed the surge in diesel prices, which reached around $6.50 a gallon in the previous month, to global turmoil, including conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. The executive order seeks to expand the amount of diesel available by allowing greater use of off-road diesel and potentially waiving taxes on highway diesel.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass strongly condemned Trump's comments, stating that the President of the United States should protect the country, not threaten it or encourage attacks on American lives. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria echoed this sentiment, asserting that San Diego is not collateral damage and should not be considered expendable or a "small price to pay."
California Governor Gavin Newsom also weighed in, calling Trump "deranged and dangerous" for his remarks, especially after his administration's past actions involving the National Guard and Marines in California.
The remarks come as fuel costs have become a significant economic and political concern ahead of the midterm elections. Truckers and businesses have been particularly affected by rising diesel prices, which impact the cost of transporting goods across the country and can ultimately be passed on to consumers.