Trump says that an Iranian attack on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego would be “a small price to pay”

United States President Donald Trump said Monday, at a rally held in Grand Island, Nebraska, that Americans should accept higher prices as a necessary cost for maintaining the security of the United States and the world. He argued that the war with Iran is “practically nearly over,” but admitted that it could continue for a longer time.

During the speech, Trump stated that Iran could destroy an American city and named Los Angeles and San Diego, saying that such a cost would be “very small.” At the same time, the American president promised that prices would fall “very sharply” after the conflict ended and argued that Iran cannot withstand economic pressure indefinitely.

The statements provoked immediate reactions in California. Governor Gavin Newsom called them “disturbing and dangerous,” while the mayors of Los Angeles and San Diego said that Trump’s remarks endanger the safety of residents and treat the cities as “collateral damage.” Democratic Senator Adam Schiff accused him of downplaying the risk of attacks on more than 10 million Americans.

According to the Los Angeles Times, it is unclear whether Trump relied on intelligence information. The publication notes that Iran’s ability to launch missiles at the continental territory of the United States is also uncertain.