President Donald Trump made headlines on multiple fronts Tuesday — from controversial rally remarks about Iran to a possible federal gas tax suspension.
"Small Price to Pay" Remarks Draw Fire
At a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska on Monday, Trump defended the ongoing US conflict with Iran, calling the costs "a small price to pay for keeping the world safe" — then added: "They can take out a city, let 'em take out Los Angeles, let 'em take out San Diego."
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the remarks as "dangerous" and ordered the State Threat Assessment Center to monitor for potential threats, saying foreign actors might interpret the comments as an invitation to target California.
The White House pushed back: Communications Director Steven Cheung said Trump was "clearly stating US cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran hadn't been stopped," adding "Iran has no nuclear, no navy, no air force, and no money."
Federal Gas Tax Suspension on the Table
Trump said Tuesday his administration is considering suspending the 18.4-cents-per-gallon federal gasoline tax as fuel prices pressure consumers ahead of the November midterms. Suspending the tax would require congressional approval. A day earlier, he signed an executive order expanding access to tax-exempt red-dyed diesel for farmers.
Firing Squad Approved for Fort Hood Shooter
Trump approved execution by firing squad for former Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, convicted in the 2009 Fort Hood massacre that killed 13. It would be the first US military execution since 1961.
Midterm Blitz: 10 States in 4 Weeks
Trump is hitting the campaign trail hard ahead of the midterms, with rallies planned across at least 10 states — including Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Alaska, Montana, and Iowa.
Sources: AP via Newsmax, People, CNN, The Sun, Desert Sun.
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