Following the news that Iran reportedly launched missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq, Donald Trump has addressed the nation. The launch of more than a dozen ballistic missiles was part of the country's retaliation for the killing of Qassem Soleimani, who was considered to be the second-most powerful figure in Iran behind Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Trump delivered his first public comments on the attack at the White House Grand Foyer on Wednesday. "As long as I'm President of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon," Trump opened his statement. "No Americans were harmed in last night's attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties, all of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases," he confirmed.
Trump claimed that "Iran appears to be standing down," which he said is "a very good thing for the world." He also said the U.S. will impose sanctions on Iran as America continues to evaluate its options going forward. He called upon NATO to get more involved in the conflicts going on in the Middle East.
From there Trump defended his decision to order the killing of Soleimani, once again claiming Soleimani was planning further attacks on American targets. Trump did not, however, provide evidence to back up this claim. Additionally, he made the accusation that these terror attacks were perpetuated with money provided by President Barack Obama's administration in 2013.
"Our missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal, and fast," he added, before saying that de-escalation is the focus. "The fact that we have this great military equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it."
As Trump took to the podium to address the nation, Cardi B shared a post critical of the President. "Voice of Iranians," she wrote alongside a video in which an Iranian said behind tears, "We love Americans, but we hate your President.
Cardi added, "They not terrorist. Trump is."
On Twitter, Trump was criticized for his speech, which many claimed he slurred his way through. Accusations of Adderall use were also thrown around, on account of his frequent sniffing. See what people had to say below.
