Trump Clarifies 'Take Out' LA and San Diego Comment After Three Days of Uproar
Trump insisted he never invited Iran to bomb Los Angeles and San Diego, three days after a Nebraska rally remark drew condemnation. What he said now.
The clarification
President Trump insisted Thursday that he never invited Iran to bomb Los Angeles and San Diego, three days after telling a rally crowd in Nebraska to "let them take out" both cities while defending the war, The Independent reported.
The original remark
At the rally, Trump used the phrase while arguing that critics of the war did not understand the stakes. The comments were widely condemned by Democrats and by a Republican running for Congress in San Diego.
Why it matters
The remark landed as gasoline prices rose and the war became a central midterm issue. California lawmakers from both parties demanded an apology.
The context
Trump has repeatedly used rally crowds to test lines about the war. Whether the clarification ends the story depends on whether he returns to the theme on the trail.
Frequently asked questions
What did Trump originally say?
At a Nebraska rally he told the crowd to "let them take out" Los Angeles and San Diego while defending the Iran war.
Did he apologise?
No. He said he never invited Iran to bomb the cities.
Sources
Independently written from reporting by the outlets below. Allegations are attributed and have not been independently verified by EngBen. Details may change.