Brief
Trump’s Nebraska remarks on Iran and U.S. cities spark media backlash
Trump’s comments about Iran and high oil prices were framed by outlets as suggesting the countries could attack California cities.
By Felo News Desk · Published
President Donald Trump referenced "Operation Epic Fury" while speaking in Grand Island, Nebraska, saying higher gas prices were a "small price to pay" for preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon that could "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego. The remarks were made during a campaign stop for Sen. Pete Ricketts on Monday, October 6, 2026.
What happened
During the rally, Trump said: “And again, remember, with the war, it’s just artificial. It’s a little bit high. It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe. They can take out a city. Let ’em take out Los Angeles. Let ’em take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay, and it’s gonna be over with very soon.” He linked the price of gasoline to the need to stop Iran from developing a nuclear capability.
What the reports add
The article on legalinsurrection.com notes that left‑leaning influencers and media outlets framed the comment as Trump suggesting Iran should actually attack the cities. It cites a tweet from the Los Angeles Times and a post by Governor Gavin Newsom that interpreted the remark as a direct invitation for Iran to target California. The piece also mentions CNN fact‑checker Daniel Dale, who said the quote was not a direct verbatim and that the paraphrase was inaccurate.
What was said
Governor Gavin Newsom (D‑CA) responded on X, calling the suggestion "deranged and dangerous." The article quotes Newsom’s statement that he was directing the State Threat Assessment Center to monitor any foreign interpretation of the president’s words. A tweet from the Los Angeles Times is referenced, linking to the original video. CNN’s Daniel Dale is quoted as saying the media’s version was not a direct quote and likely mischaracterised Trump’s point about oil prices.
How it came about
Trump’s comment was part of a broader discussion about rising fuel costs and U.S. foreign policy toward Iran. Earlier coverage by Felo News documented the same remarks and the ensuing backlash from California officials, including Mayor Todd Gloria and musician Jack White, as well as the White House’s defence of the president’s statement. The current article highlights the continued dispute over how the remarks were reported.
Key facts
- Trump said higher gas prices were a small price to pay to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon that could target Los Angeles and San Diego. (legalinsurrection.com)
- Governor Gavin Newsom called the suggestion "deranged and dangerous" and ordered the State Threat Assessment Center to monitor foreign reactions. (legalinsurrection.com)
- CNN fact‑checker Daniel Dale said the media’s quote was not a direct verbatim and likely misrepresented Trump’s point. (legalinsurrection.com)
Sources
- [1] legalinsurrection.com — originally reported as “Media Falsely Claims Trump Suggested Iran Attack Los Angeles and San Diego”
