Donald Trump, the President of the United States, on Monday night in Grand Island, Nebraska, defended the costs that Americans are paying for his war with Iran and proudly told the crowd: "Let them destroy Los Angeles. Let them destroy San Diego." He described these dangers as "a very small price" to pay. Such statements from a President regarding the potential destruction of major American cities and the death of millions of citizens seem dangerous and callous.
Political Reactions to Trump's Statements
Reactions to Trump's statements quickly and strongly emerged from political leaders and media analysts. Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, described him as "sick and dangerous." Todd Gloria, the Mayor of San Diego, reminded that his city is "not collateral damage." Even Jim Desmond, a veteran Marine and San Diego County Supervisor who is running for a California congressional seat, strongly opposed Trump, stating: "America must stand against Iran and defend its interests, but the first responsibility of the Commander in Chief is to protect the people and homeland of America."
Trump's Distraction Techniques
Cable news spent a day analyzing what Trump really meant, and exactly provided him with what he wanted, namely a distraction from declining popularity, rising prices, and domestic failures. Political analysts believe that what many perceive as sudden chaos is often a deliberate and orchestrated spin of provocations. Instead of trying to change the subject with good news, Trump buries bad news with his own made-up news and makes it louder.
In January, Trump escalated his threats against Greenland and raised undocumented and even delusional dangers to the national security of the United States. He used reserve units for readiness and threatened military invasion and trade sanctions against Denmark. Such behaviors, while always followed by new controversies, are seen as a desperate attempt to divert attention from his domestic failures.
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