Trump's call to let Iran strike California sparks outrage and legal concerns
During a Nebraska rally, Donald Trump suggested that Iran could target Los Angeles and San Diego, prompting condemnation from California officials and accusations of treasonous rhetoric.
Donald Trump, speaking at a Republican rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, minimized the economic impact of the ongoing war with Iran and suggested that the United States could allow Iran to strike Los Angeles and San Diego, describing the loss of those cities as a "small price to pay." The comment provoked immediate backlash, with California Governor Gavin Newsom labeling the remarks deranged, mentally ill, and urging invocation of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump.
Republican House hopeful Jim Desmond, a Navy veteran, condemned the suggestion, insisting no American city is expendable. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung attempted to spin the statement, claiming Trump was warning about threats that would arise if Iran’s nuclear program were not stopped, despite evidence that the program remains active. Defense analysts warned that Iran is better positioned for a prolonged conflict than the United States, and highlighted the potential legal ramifications of a president appearing to invite enemy attacks.
Why it matters
Trump's remarks could be seen as encouraging enemy attacks on U.S. soil, raising legal and security concerns.
How this story developed
- Sep 9 Trump’s Iran conflict fuels energy price surge, jeopardizing GOP midterm prospects
- Oct 2 EU ministers are set to meet on Friday to discuss a coordinated response to the diesel‑price crisis.
- Oct 2 The United States has warned it may restrict diesel exports unless the EU releases strategic reserves.
- Oct 2 G7 leaders discussed a split proposal to release 50 million barrels of diesel and 50 million barrels of crude oil.
- Oct 5 The poll released in late September revealed President Trump’s economic approval fell to 17%.
- Oct 5 The administration plans to allow broader use of red-dyed diesel, which is exempt from the federal excise tax, aiming to lower fuel costs for drivers of pickup trucks and similar vehicles.
- Oct 6 Administration set to announce executive order expanding tax‑exempt red diesel to on‑road use.
- Oct 7 A new poll shows a majority of voters now hold Trump’s policies responsible for high prices.
- Oct 7 The White House has asked the Pentagon to outline possible new attacks on Iran before the November midterms, aiming to show progress in the conflict and lower gas prices.
- Oct 7 President Vladimir Putin told Iran that Russia is prepared to help Tehran in diplomatic efforts to ease the ongoing Middle East war.
- Oct 8 Trump publicly ruled out an Iranian strike before the midterm elections.
- Oct 9 Lavrov's UN remarks offered Russian help to stabilise the Strait of Hormuz.
- Oct 9 Oil prices rose sharply as uncertainty over the U.S. stance on Iran grew.
- Oct 11 Trump has kept large‑scale military pressure on Iran on hold for the next 24 days until the midterm elections conclude.
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