Trump’s comment about Iran nuking Los Angeles and San Diego was incoherent, not malicious

President Donald Trump's remarks during a rally in Nebraska suggest he would allow Iran to attack major U.S. cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, a comment that has been widely criticized as incoherent rather than malicious. While Trump has made controversial statements in the past, including discussions about withholding disaster aid from states that vote against his party and displaying indifference to blue states, this particular comment appears to stem from his incoherent thought process rather than a deliberate concession to Iran.

Trump's comment came amidst a broader discussion about the costs of a potential Iran war, during which he mentioned high gas prices as "a small price to pay" for preventing a nuclear Iran. This recurring theme reveals his perspective that certain risks are worth taking to ensure national security. In fact, he had previously suggested that "short term oil prices... is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace" on social media, and connected high gas prices to the threat of nuclear weapons.

Moreover, Trump made a similar argument about Mobile, Alabama, on May 5, stating that the cost of preventing a nuclear weapon from falling into the wrong hands was "a very small price" compared to the potential consequences. Thus, the Los Angeles and San Diego comment seems to be a manifestation of this same logic, albeit articulated in a confusing manner during his speech.

It is worth noting that similar arguments were made about other cities, such as Mobile, Alabama, during a rally in Alabama three days prior. While some critics took Trump's words to mean that he would allow Iran to nuke these cities, others dismissed his remarks as a continuation of his previously expressed views about the costs of war.

The confusion surrounding Trump's statement has led to widespread condemnation, with some prominent figures, including Republican Sen. Chris Murphy, condemning his comments as "sick" and "evil."

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Trump's comment highlights the need for clearer articulation of political positions, especially when discussing matters of national security and international relations. The potential consequences of a nuclear-armed Iran are severe and should not be downplayed or trivialized.