Singer and songwriter Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother, shared an Instagram Story suggesting that Donald Trump might order a bombing in California and then lay the blame on Iran.
Finneas’ post followed comments made by Donald Trump earlier this week, which have since gone viral, when the President was discussing the Iran war and the potential threat it could pose to American cities. During a campaign rally in Nebraska on October 5, he said, “They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego,” before describing that as a “very small price to pay” for keeping the country safe. The White House later clarified that Trump was referring to the potential consequences of allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons and was not calling for Iran to attack the California cities.
Despite the White House’s explanation, some people interpreted Trump’s remarks as suggesting that Iran should bomb California. Finneas expressed a similar concern by sharing a post on his Instagram Story. “I’m not concerned about Iran bombing California. I’m concerned about Trump bombing California and trying to act like Iran did it,” the story read.
Finneas was not alone in interpreting Trump’s comments this way, as other users online expressed similar concerns about the possibility of California being targeted. Several commenters questioned the White House’s explanation and said they understood Trump’s remarks as suggesting that Iran should attack Los Angeles and San Diego. Some also echoed Finneas’ concern that Trump could order or provoke an attack and then blame Iran for it.
Other public figures also criticized Trump’s remarks. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, actors Carrie Coon and Henry Winkler, and journalist Jim Acosta all reacted to the president’s comments about Los Angeles and San Diego. Newsom described the remarks as dangerous, while Bass also condemned them. Coon, Winkler, and Acosta similarly expressed concern or criticism over Trump’s comments about the potential threat to the California cities.
Viewers Support Singer Finneas Over California Worry
Many fans online agreed with Finneas’ concerns regarding Trump’s comments about California. Some said they believed the scenario described in his post was possible, with one person writing, “This is literally my fear. I live in a neighboring county of LA. I am not worried about Iran. I am worried about my own government bombing me.” Another person said, “He’s malicious enough to do it. People give too much credit to his obvious mental decline. He’s always been vicious, but the dementia lowers his already razor thin inhibitions.”
More people agreed with Finneas and criticized Trump’s remarks. “He’s utterly insane, and the even scarier thing is there’s no one around him who will stop him. They’ll be applauding him,” one person wrote. Another person said, “Screaming the quiet part OUT LOUD.”
Finneas’ Instagram Story led to discussion among viewers who said they shared his concerns about Trump’s remarks. Some also questioned whether a president should make statements that could suggest attacks on American cities.
