If it wasn’t enough that Democrats are up in arms about the US’ continued war against Iran – and the continued support of Israel’s offensive against Hamas in Palestine – President Donald Trump gave California Democrats another reason to rage against him as he suggested that cities in the Golden State could be targets for terror attacks from Iran.
“They could take out a city,” the president said, speaking at a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska. “Let them take — Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego,” he added, seemingly suggesting that these blue-leaning cities would be preferable targets for an attack from Iran.
120710-N-RY232-571 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 10, 2012) – An SH-60F Seahawk from the Nightdippers of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 5 flies alongside Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), July 10. Dwight D. Eisenhower is on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. IKE deployed as part of Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which includes CSG 8, IKE, guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66), guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99), guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), the seven squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, and Destroyer Squadron 28. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julia A. Casper/Released)
He added that his war against the Islamic country prevented such atrocities from happening.
California Leaders Outraged
Always ready with a retort against Trump, California Governor Gavin Newsom blasted the president on X, calling him “deranged and dangerous.”
“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,” read Newsom’s entire response on the Elon Musk-owned social media platform, where he linked a video showing Trump’s remarks.
In a brief statement on Facebook, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said that the city was “not collateral damage” and called on President Trump to keep San Diego out of his “reckless war talk.”
(Feb. 15, 2023) U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) flies the battle ensign during expeditionary strike force operations with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group including the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG) with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are conducting combined ESF operations, demonstrating unique high-end war fighting capability, maritime superiority, power projection and readiness. Operations include integrated training designed to advance interoperability between the two groups while simultaneously demonstrating the U.S. commitment to our alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Negron)
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass accused Trump of “actively threatening” and “encouraging attacks” on Americans.
“The President of the United States suggested that a foreign government attack Los Angeles. His statements against our city are dangerous and could potentially compromise our safety,” Bass said on X. “In the face of irresponsible threats, as Angelenos, we know how to stand together and protect our city,” she added.
Trump Continues to Justify the US War Against Iran
At the campaign rally, Trump continued to double down on his decision for the US to take a more active, direct, and aggressive action against Iran, saying that the effects of the war effort were “artificial” and a “small price to pay”.
“Remember, with the war, it’s just artificial. It’s a little bit high. It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe,” he told the crowd at the Republican rally in Nebraska.
The crowd cheered his remarks, including his implication of attacks targeting California cities.
Trump’s doggedly defended the US-Iran war, which has directly affected Americans through the continued spike in gas prices, despite promising that he would keep the US out of wars when he won the presidency in 2024.
“I’m not going to start a war. I’m going to stop wars,” Trump said during his victory speech in November 2024. Trump’s own bio on the White House website touts the president as someone who is known for “putting a stop to endless wars.”
Trump Nixes Potential New Deal with Iran
Just last month, the president announced that he had rejected a potential new deal with Iran that would have reopened the Strait of Hormuz.
“They made a proposal, but I rejected it,” the US head of state said, justifying the decision by saying that the US had leverage over the Middle Eastern state as the latter was allegedly jockeying to “make a deal where they open the strait immediately because they’re losing so badly.”
Support for Iran War Wavering, Even Among Republicans
While the President and his followers continue to be optimistic and staunch supporters of the US’ war with Iran, others in the Republican Party have begun to break ranks and express frustration with the war effort, especially as many of their constituents have been affected by soaring prices at the pump due to the war’s effect on the US’ oil supply.
Mike Rogers, a former legislator and current Republican Senate candidate of Michigan, called for a swift end to the Iran war in a campaign video.
The Republican Senate candidate in Iowa, Ashley Hinson, echoed the sentiments in a statement on X, saying that the “war needs to be brought to a successful and immediate end.”
The “Small Price”
Speaking of prices, Americans paid historic highs for gas at the pump in September, according to industry observers and analysts.
Analysts estimate that American consumers have shouldered roughly $70 billion in gas costs and $57.2 billion in diesel costs since the war in Iran began.
American service members’ lives also have not been spared from the war effort, with casualties reaching as high as 22, while 820 have been wounded.
About the Author: Tim Ramos
Tim Ramos has written for various publications, corporations, and organizations, covering finance, politics, travel, entertainment, and sports in Asia and the U.S. for more than 10 years.
