At a rally in Nebraska on Monday night, former US President [Donald Trump](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump) suggested that [Iran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran) possessed the ability to “take out” [Los Angeles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles) and [San Diego](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego), prompting criticism from the two cities’ mayors, according to TMZ.
He made the comment while discussing higher fuel prices that he linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran, noting that American drivers were paying “a little bit” more at the pump. Trump asserted that Iran could destroy an American city but did not provide any proof. “Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego,” he said.
He added that such a scenario would be “a small price to pay” and claimed the war was “essentially almost over.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass responded on X, stating that a president’s duty is to safeguard the nation, not to threaten it or encourage attacks on American lives.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also rebuked the remarks, saying, “San Diego is not collateral damage. We are not expendable. And we are never a ‘small price to pay.’ Keep our city out of your reckless war talk.”