‘Let them hit Los Angeles’: Trump clarifies Iran war remarks, says he ‘won’t let that happen’

Supporters of US President Donald Trump listen as he speaks during a rally.

US President Donald Trump sought to clarify his controversial remarks about Iran attacking Los Angeles and San Diego at a Texas campaign rally on Wednesday, saying the US would “not let that happen” as he campaigned for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections.Trump had sparked a backlash earlier this week after suggesting that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego while discussing the threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran at a rally in Nebraska.At a rally in San Antonio on Wednesday, Trump again referred to the possibility of Iran firing a missile at the two California cities, but said the US would prevent such a scenario.“You want to see a horror show? Let them hit San Diego. Let them hit Los Angeles if you want to see some bad things happen,” Trump said. “You want to see a country that would be in free fall?”“We’re not going to let that happen. We protect our cities. We protect our country. We’re not letting that happen,” he added.Trump’s original comments had drawn sharp criticism from California Democrats. Governor Gavin Newsom accused the president of being “deranged and dangerous”, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the remarks could potentially compromise the safety of the city.Bass said she may ask Congress to investigate Trump’s comments, according to NBC News. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also pushed back against the remarks, saying the city was “not collateral damage”.The White House defended Trump, saying his comments had been misrepresented. White House communications director Steven Cheung said Trump was referring to what could have happened if Iran had developed nuclear weapons.Trump made the remarks during a rally aimed at boosting Texas Republicans ahead of the midterm elections. He campaigned for attorney general Ken Paxton, who is running for the Senate against Democrat James Talarico.The rally also reflected the political tensions surrounding Trump as Republicans prepare for the midterms. The president was repeatedly interrupted by protesters during his nearly two-hour speech.Trump also announced that former MLB pitcher Roger Clemens would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling the former seven-time Cy Young Award winner deserving of the honour.