In an interview with Politico about the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ali Khamenei, Trump stated, "It is time to look for new leadership in Iran." He added that Khamenei's crimes as the leader of a country include the complete destruction of the nation and the unprecedented use of violence. Trump continued that to maintain the functioning of a country, even at the lowest level, leadership must focus on properly managing the country and not take the lives of thousands to maintain control. He also described Khamenei as a sick individual who must properly govern his country and stop the massacre of the people. Trump concluded by stating that Iran is the worst place in the world to live due to failed leadership.