At a political rally in Nebraska, former President Donald Trump made controversial remarks suggesting that Iran could “take out” major American cities such as Los Angeles or San Diego. His comments drew immediate condemnation from California’s Democratic leaders and some Republicans.
Speaking in Grand Island, Nebraska, Trump addressed the economic impact of wartime conditions, referring to rising costs of fuel, fertilizer, and other goods as an “artificial” but “small price to pay” for national and global security. He said, “They could take out a city. Let ’em take out Los Angeles, let ’em take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay, and it’s going to be over with very soon.” His remarks came roughly a month before the midterm elections, which could shift control of Congress.
Trump further stated, “It’s essentially almost over with,” adding that the conflict “is going to end one way or the other.” He has previously downplayed inflation concerns linked to the Iran conflict and minimized the threat of attacks on US soil by Iran or its allies.
California Governor Gavin Newsom responded sharply, labeling Trump as “deranged and dangerous.” He criticized Trump for previously deploying National Guard and Marines to California and now seemingly inviting foreign attacks on the state’s largest cities. Newsom shared a video of Trump’s Nebraska remarks alongside references to his past rhetoric on military deployments in California.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the former president’s statements, calling them “dangerous” and warning they could jeopardize public safety. Similarly, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria urged Trump to keep the city out of “reckless war talk,” emphasizing that their communities are never a “small price to pay.”
Jim Desmond, a Republican candidate for Congress from California, also distanced himself from Trump’s comments. He asserted that while America must confront Iran, the Commander in Chief’s primary duty is to protect American citizens and cities, stating, “No American city is expendable, and no American family should ever be treated as collateral damage.”
There was no immediate response from the White House regarding the backlash to Trump’s remarks. Los Angeles and San Diego are California’s two largest cities by population, with Los Angeles ranking as the second-most populous city in the United States after New York City.
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