Donald Trump told a rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, that Iran could "take out" Los Angeles or San Diego, calling it a "very small price to pay" for keeping the world safe.
The comment came amid Trump’s long‑standing disdain for California, which has outscored him by 20 to 30 points in each of the last three presidential elections. Governor Gavin Newsom called the president deranged, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Trump should protect Americans rather than invite attacks, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria warned the city was not collateral damage.
San Diego hosts 115,000 active‑duty service members and key Navy facilities, including the USS Lincoln. Congressman Scott Peters blasted Trump’s war on Iran for leaving sailors stranded for months and for treating San Diego as expendable.
The White House quickly denied that Trump was inviting an attack, saying the president was explaining the risk of Iran acquiring weapons that could strike U.S. cities. A spokesperson said the remarks were a warning, not a threat.
The statements arrive weeks before the November 3 midterms, when a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Trump at 32% approval and Democrats ahead nationally. Republican crowds at recent rallies have already shown signs of fatigue.
The White House plans to issue a formal statement before the next congressional hearing on U.S. policy toward Iran, which will include an explanation of the president’s remarks and a review of the administration’s strategy.