“Donald Trump suggested that letting Iran take out Los Angeles and San Diego would be a small price to pay for ending the war.”

During a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, in October 2026, President Donald Trump discussed the ongoing conflict with Iran and the associated economic impacts, such as rising gas prices. In his remarks, he stated, 'It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe. They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.' The claim that he suggested this would be a 'small price to pay' for ending the war misrepresents the structure of his speech. Multiple reports indicate that Trump was referring to the 'small price' in the context of enduring current economic hardships (like gas prices) to prevent a larger, existential threat—specifically, the potential for Iran to develop nuclear capabilities that could allow them to attack American cities. His administration and supporters clarified that the comments were intended as a warning about the dangers of a nuclear-armed Iran, rather than an endorsement of the destruction of those cities.