Trump says he was misunderstood after saying Iran could destroy California cities
At a Nebraska rally Trump said he meant higher fuel prices were a small cost to prevent Iran getting nuclear weapons; his Los Angeles/San Diego remarks drew criticism.
President Donald Trump said his recent remarks suggesting Iran could destroy cities in California were misunderstood, and that he was referring to the need for Americans to accept temporarily higher fuel prices as part of the economic cost of a conflict with Iran.
Context and quoted remarks
Speaking on Monday at a political rally in Nebraska, Trump framed the issue as an economic sacrifice linked to the war. "Remember, in connection with the war, this is just an artificial increase, prices are a little higher, but that's a small price to pay," he said, arguing the rise in fuel costs was temporary.
He continued with a line that prompted immediate backlash: "This is a small price to keep the security of the world and our country. They could destroy some city. Let them destroy Los Angeles, let them destroy San Diego. That's a very small price and all this will end soon."
The comments drew sharp criticism from multiple politicians in California and elsewhere across the United States, who said the phrasing was reckless and inflammatory.
On his social network Truth Social, Trump clarified his remarks, writing: "I was talking about the temporary increase in the price of gasoline being a small price worth paying so that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons." He added another post: "If you want to see what the big price would be - can you imagine what would happen if they bomb San Diego and/or Los Angeles?" and noted that he loves both cities.
Trump has previously downplayed concerns about rising living costs tied to the conflict with Iran, and his latest statements have reignited debate over rhetoric by senior officials during international crises.
Photo: press material from the event
