White House denies Donald Trump invited Iranian attacks on American cities

The White House has pushed back against accusations from Democrats that President Donald Trump suggested Iran should target Los Angeles and San Diego, according to RTE and the Times of Israel. Trump made the controversial remarks during a midterm election rally in Grand Island, Nebraska. [1][3][10]

The Independent reported that Trump faced criticism for his speech after addressing high gas prices resulting from Operation Epic Fury. RTE reported that Trump described high fuel costs as a small price to pay to stop Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Viral video footage of the speech sparked accusations from political opponents. [1][3][8]

The national average fuel price has reached 4.37 dollars a gallon, according to the Independent. Al Jazeera reported that Trump has blamed blue states, Democrats, and Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries for rising fuel prices rather than the ongoing conflict with Iran. [1][5][7]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, California Governor Gavin Newsom called Trump's rally statements deranged and dangerous, while the White House maintained the president was merely warning about the dangers of a nuclear-armed Iran. [1][14]