US President Donald Trump points to a member of the crowd after speaking during a campaign rally at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center in Grand Island, Nebraska, on October 5, 2026. (Photo by Kent NISHIMURA / AFP)
'Let them take out LA': Trump jokes about Iran bombing US
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US President Donald Trump ignited intense criticism during a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, after dismissing rising domestic prices and high fuel costs as a "small price to pay" for security, before making controversial remarks suggesting foreign enemies target major American cities.
Defending his administration's economic record and geopolitical stance, Trump argued that elevated consumer prices were merely an artificial, temporary burden incurred to preserve global stability.
"It's a little bit high. It's a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe," Trump told the crowd regarding rising costs.
He then escalated his rhetoric by openly downplaying the threat of Iranian retaliatory capabilities, adding:
"They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay."
The remarks—linking domestic inflation directly to foreign policy costs while casually invoking potential strikes on major West Coast urban centers—
drew swift condemnation from civic leaders and state officials. California Governor Gavin Newsom denounced the statements as "deranged and dangerous," while local authorities reiterated that national security policy should never treat American lives or municipalities as disposable collateral.
