Trump suggests Iran could 'take out' Los Angeles and San Diego, drawing backlash from California leaders

President’s remarks at Nebraska rally condemned as 'deranged' by Governor Newsom

By LineZotpaper

Published6 October 2026

Read Time3 min

Donald Trump has faced swift condemnation from California leaders after suggesting at a rally in Nebraska that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego, two liberal cities in a state that has frequently clashed with his administration. The president made the comments while discussing the ongoing war with Iran, calling high prices a “small price to pay for keeping the world safe” and adding: “Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.”

Speaking at a rally in Grand Island, Nebraska on Monday night, Trump told supporters he hoped for a “tremendous victory” in the approaching November midterm elections. He then argued that the cost of the war with Iran was justified, saying it was “a small price to pay for keeping the world safe – keeping our country safe.”

“They can take out a city,” Trump said. “Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.” The crowd applauded. He added that the war would “be over very soon.”

The comments drew an immediate backlash from California’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, who wrote on X that Trump was “deranged and dangerous.” In a separate post from his press office, Newsom said: “Let’s be clear: The President is advocating for an attack on 10+ million U.S. residents in two of America’s largest cities. This is not normal. None of this is.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the remarks “irresponsible threats” that “could potentially compromise” the safety of the city. “The role of a president is to protect the country, not to actively threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives,” she said in a statement.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said his city was “not collateral damage” in the president’s war. “We are not expendable. And we are never a ‘small price to pay.’ Keep our city out of your reckless war talk,” he wrote on X. San Diego is home to critical US military infrastructure.

Online debate quickly erupted over whether Trump was making a crude joke about two blue cities or inadvertently disclosing intelligence about potential Iranian targets. Some conservative activists argued that Trump was referring to high gas prices as the “small price to pay”, not the ability of Iran to strike a US city.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. US defence officials have previously stated that Iran currently lacks the capability to launch a direct missile attack on the US mainland. Trump has argued in past speeches that allowing Iran to develop a nuclear weapon would threaten US cities.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The president's remarks, even if rhetorical, could undermine confidence in his leadership during a wartime period and inflame partisan divisions.
The suggestion that it would be acceptable for Iran to attack two major US cities raises questions about the administration's commitment to protecting all American communities.
The comments may further strain relations between the federal government and California, which has already been a frequent target of Trump administration policies.

Background

The relationship between Donald Trump and California has been adversarial throughout his presidency, with disputes over immigration, environmental policy, and federal funding. The US has been engaged in a war with Iran, and Trump has frequently emphasised the threat of Iranian nuclear capabilities. San Diego hosts significant military installations, making it a potential high-value target in any conflict. Trump's speaking style often includes elliptical phrasing that supporters interpret as blunt honesty and critics see as reckless.

Key Perspectives

California officials (Governor Newsom, mayors Bass and Gloria): They view Trump's comments as a direct threat to the safety of millions of residents and a dereliction of presidential duty. They argue that no American city should be treated as expendable. Trump supporters and conservative activists: Some interpret the remarks as a rhetorical device emphasising the sacrifices necessary for national security, pointing to high gas prices as the “small price to pay” rather than the cities themselves. Critics and national security experts: They worry that such statements could be misinterpreted by adversaries, provide propaganda material, or reveal sensitive assessments of Iranian targeting capabilities. The fact that US defence officials have stated Iran cannot currently strike the US mainland may reduce the immediate threat but does not diminish the concern over rhetoric.

What to Watch

Whether the White House or Trump provides clarification or doubles down on the remarks in the coming days.
Reaction from Republican officials in California and from the state's congressional delegation.
Any intelligence assessments about Iranian missile capabilities that may be disclosed or leaked in response to the controversy.

Sources

Trump suggests he would let Iran ‘take out’ Los Angeles or San Diego — World news | The Guardian