Trump Suggests Iran Bomb Two US Cities, Sparking Outrage

US President Donald Trump sparked widespread controversy on Tuesday after discussing the possibility of Iranian attacks on Los Angeles and San Diego, stating that such an event would be a "small price" to pay for maintaining the security of the United States and the world.

During a campaign rally in Nebraska, Trump described rising fuel prices in the US as "artificial" and "slightly high," before saying: "It is a small price to pay to keep the world safe and our country safe."

He added: "They can destroy a city, let them take Los Angeles, let them take San Diego. That is a very small price to pay."

Trump then went on to discuss the possibility of Iran being able to destroy a major American city if allowed to develop nuclear weapons, remarks that drew widespread criticism online.

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump's statements, posting on the platform X: "Let's be clear: The President is calling for an attack on more than 10 million American residents in two of America's largest cities."

He added: "This is not normal. Nothing about this is normal, and we will continue to remind people of that every day."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a separate post: "The role of the President is to protect the country, not to directly threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives."

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria stated: "San Diego is not collateral damage. We are not expendable, and we will never be a 'small price to pay.' Keep our city out of your reckless talk of war."

Marnie Von Wilbert, a San Diego City Council member and Democratic congressional candidate, argued that Trump's comments could form the basis for his third impeachment, a precedent never seen in the United States.

Even Jim Desmond, a San Diego County Supervisor who is a Republican, a former US Navy veteran, and backed by Trump against Von Wilbert, said he "strongly opposes" the President's remarks.