After a statement that suggested Iran would destroy two cities in America... Trump faces a strong attack

On Monday, California officials denounced “dangerous” statements made by President Donald Trump, after he seemed to hint at the possibility of Iran “destroying” the cities of Los Angeles or San Diego. They are two major cities in a state he has long criticized.

Trump was speaking at a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, before the midterm elections, and said that he wanted to see “a tremendous victory, because it confirms the validity of everything we have done.”

The US President described the war with Iran as "a small price to pay for preserving the security of the world and the security of our country," adding that Iran is capable of destroying an entire American city.

“Let them... let them take out Los Angeles,” Trump said. “Let them take out San Diego. It’s a very small price to pay, and it will be over very soon.” These statements were met with angry and quick reactions from California state leaders.

CNN has reached out to the White House for more information about what Trump meant by his comments about the two cities.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom called the president "unhinged and dangerous," while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said comments directed against the city "could threaten our safety."

“The president’s role is to protect the country, not to actually threaten it and incite attacks that target American lives,” said Bass, also a Democrat.

San Diego Democratic Mayor Todd Gloria said the city "is not collateral damage. We are not to be sacrificed, and we are never a 'small price to pay.' Get your city away from this reckless war talk."

The US President went on to say that the war "will end very soon."