The White House responded on Tuesday to recent remarks by President Donald Trump in which he indirectly accused Iran of threatening major American cities, including Los Angeles and San Diego. These comments were made during a midterm campaign rally in Nebraska, where Trump justified rising oil prices due to tensions with Iran.
Trump's Remarks and Democrats' Reactions
At this rally, Trump said: "These prices are a bit high, but for the sake of world and national security, it's a small cost." He added: "They can target a city. Let them target Los Angeles and San Diego. It's a very small cost and it will be over soon." These remarks sparked severe criticism from Democrats and officials in California.
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Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, strongly criticized Trump's remarks, saying: "The Trump administration is now saying that foreign enemies should target Los Angeles and San Diego. He is crazy and dangerous." Additionally, Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic minority leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, stated: "The nuclear destruction of an American city is no joke."
The White House's Response and Trump's Justifications
The White House quickly responded to these criticisms, stating that Trump was actually talking about Iranian threats and labeled the reactions as "media hysteria" not based on reality. Steven Chung, the White House communications director, clarified: "He was clearly stating that American cities would be threatened if Iran became nuclear."
The White House's rapid response account on social media also objected to a headline in the Los Angeles Times that claimed Trump suggested "let Iran target Los Angeles and San Diego," stating: "No, he did not say that. He said that America is fighting to stop Iran from having the capability to target Los Angeles and San Diego with nuclear weapons — which they would do if they had the chance."
These remarks come as Trump is holding campaign rallies in the final months leading up to the midterm elections. Concerns among Republicans are rising that voter anger over war and high oil prices could take control of Congress away from them.
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