President Donald Trump has denied inviting Iran to bomb Los Angeles and San Diego, three days after he made controversial comments at a rally in Nebraska. While defending his war strategy, which has seen petrol prices rise above £4.40 a gallon, Trump told the crowd to “let them take out” both cities.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “The Fake and Artificial News is trying to say that I’m inviting the enemy to bomb San Diego and Los Angeles. What I was actually addressing is that a temporary increase in petrol prices is a small price to pay for Iran not having a nuclear weapon. Can you imagine the cost if they bombed those cities?” He added, “I was simply comparing the short-term rise in petrol prices with the potential bombing of our major cities.”
Trump claimed that “everybody knew” what he meant and branded journalists covering his comments as “degenerates.” His post appeared to be an attempt to clarify what many interpreted as a dig at anti-war Democrats and Republicans, whom he accused of supporting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
During his speech in Grand Island, Nebraska, Trump noted that rising fuel costs were a necessary risk, claiming Iran could “take out a city.” He told the audience, “Let them take out Los Angeles; let them take out San Diego,” prompting boos from the crowd.
Trump reiterated similar sentiments at a rally in Texas, where he remarked, “You want to see trauma? Let them hit a missile into San Diego or Los Angeles.” He then added, “We’re not gonna let that happen. We protect our cities; we protect our country.”
In response to the backlash, White House communications director Steven Cheung dismissed the uproar as a “media freakout,” asserting that Trump was emphasising that U.S. cities would be at risk if Iran were not stopped.
California leaders reacted strongly. Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Trump, saying, “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.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass concisely stated that Trump suggested a foreign government attack on the city.
