Trump says ‘we protect our cities’ after saying Iran could ‘take out’ Los Angeles or San Diego
President Donald Trump attempted to clarify controversial remarks he made about Iran potentially attacking U.S. cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. The comments drew sharp criticism from California officials, who labeled the rhetoric as dangerous.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing political tensions regarding national security rhetoric and the potential impact of presidential statements on domestic stability.
After having faced fierce backlash, President Donald Trump on Wednesday sought to clean up incendiary comments he made earlier this week, when he said Iran could “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego. Trump’s original remarks, made at a campaign rally in Nebraska, seemed to refer to what would happen if Iran had a nuclear weapon. “They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego,” Trump said Monday to cheers from the crowd. He recast those remarks Wednesday night at a rally in San Antonio as he tried to explain the Iran war, saying he had “no choice” if the U.S. were to keep Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. “You want to see problems? And I said it the other day: Let them hit a missile into San Diego or Los Angeles on the way. Let them hit.
Also covering this story
12 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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