Understand
White House defends Donald Trump's remark about Iran and Californian cities
Overview
The White House has defended comments made by Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Nebraska, where he suggested that letting Iran target Los Angeles and San Diego was a small price to pay for keeping the country safe. The remarks drew sharp criticism from California politicians, including Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass, who condemned the comments as dangerous and threatening. The White House and communications staff later clarified that Trump meant the US military action prevented a nuclear Iran from threatening American cities.
Key points
- Donald Trump stated at a rally in Nebraska regarding the Iran conflict: "They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego."
- California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the remarks as deranged and dangerous, directing the State Threat Assessment Center to monitor potential security threats.
- LA Mayor Karen Bass and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also criticized the remarks, describing them as reckless war talk and a threat to American lives.
- The White House defended the comments, with Communications Director Stephen Cheung stating that Trump meant American cities would have faced threats if a nuclear Iran had not been stopped.
- Both Los Angeles and San Diego host major US military installations, including Navy ports and Air Force bases.