U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after remarks about Los Angeles and San Diego during a campaign rally in Nebraska, where he was discussing the ongoing conflict with Iran and the threat he says would come from Tehran obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Trump said that higher prices linked to the conflict were a “small price to pay” for keeping the United States and the world safe. He then referred to the possibility of Iran attacking a U.S. city, naming Los Angeles and San Diego.
The comments quickly drew criticism from California officials. Governor Gavin Newsom, along with the mayors of Los Angeles and San Diego, condemned the remarks and raised concerns about the safety of residents.
The White House later said Trump was not advocating attacks on American cities, but was explaining what he viewed as the potential consequences of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.
Trump made the comments while campaigning ahead of the November midterm elections and urging Republican voters to support the party. He also focused on economic concerns, particularly high fuel prices affecting farmers, truckers and other consumers.
The remarks have added a new political controversy to the campaign, as debate continues over the Iran conflict, economic pressures and the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
