World · United States of America
Trump defends high gas prices as cost of global security
Trump linked high fuel costs to preventing nuclear threats from Iran during a 2022 rally, drawing criticism from California leaders.
Trump linked high gas prices to preventing Iranian nuclear threats, drawing criticism from California leaders.
- Trump characterized high gas prices as a minor expense in return for ensuring global security
- He warned that Iran might carry out attacks on Los Angeles or San Diego
- California leaders called the remarks deranged and dangerous
- White House denied Trump suggested Iran should take out US cities
- Comments were made at a Nebraska rally on October 5, 2022
What's new
- White House denied Trump suggested Iran should 'take out' US cities on Oct 6, 2026
- California leaders hit back after Trump's remarks about Iran taking out LA and San Diego
- Viral footage showed Trump's comments at a Nebraska rally on Oct 5, 2022
- Trump described high gas prices as a modest cost in exchange for global safety
During a midterm election rally in Grand Island, Nebraska on October 5, 2022, former President Donald Trump argued that elevated fuel costs were justified for global security, warning that Iran might target Los Angeles or San Diego if left unchecked.135
California leaders' response
On X, California Governor Gavin Newsom labeled Trump's comments as deranged and dangerous, asserting that the former president implied foreign adversaries should strike Los Angeles and San Diego.1
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized that a president's duty is to safeguard the nation, not endanger it, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria posted on X that the city should not be considered expendable.2
White House response
On October 6, the White House responded to Democratic accusations that Trump had implied Iran should attack Los Angeles and San Diego, with Communications Director Steven Cheung saying Trump meant that U.S. cities would have faced threats had Iran's nuclear program not been halted.1
The White House Rapid Response account on X stated that Trump was working to prevent Iran from gaining the capability to launch a nuclear strike against Los Angeles and San Diego.1
Why it matters
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions over US foreign policy toward Iran and the political use of energy prices in domestic debates, particularly relevant for European audiences monitoring transatlantic security dynamics and energy market volatility.2
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Version history
- version 1 ·