Trump stood on a stage in Grand Island, Nebraska, and, after warning that the war with Iran would raise fuel costs, said, "Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego." The crowd cheered, but the remark left a stunned audience.
California leaders erupted. Governor Gavin Newsom, who has clashed with Trump over state federal forces, slammed the comments, calling the president "deranged and dangerous." Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria both denounced the remarks, stressing that the cities are not collateral damage and that residents are not expendable.
The statement came amid Trump’s long‑standing warnings about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He has repeatedly cautioned that a nuclear‑armed Iran could threaten U.S. cities, yet U.S. defense officials have said Iran lacks the capability to launch a direct missile strike on the mainland.
Even some Republicans distanced themselves. Candidate Jim Desmond said the president’s duty was to protect Americans, not to entertain the idea that major cities could be targeted for a trade‑off.
No White House response followed, leaving the remarks to echo in political circles and on social media. The fallout may prompt a review of security protocols for Los Angeles and San Diego, and could influence Trump's campaign strategy ahead of the upcoming primaries.