LA and San Diego residents ‘horrified’ by Trump suggesting Iran bomb them

During a rally in Nebraska on October 5, 2026, former President Donald Trump sparked outrage by suggesting that Iran could "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego, referring to it as a "very small price to pay" amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran and its economic consequences, such as elevated gas prices. He stated, "They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego". This remark was made while discussing the "small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe".

California's political figures quickly condemned Trump's comments. Governor Gavin Newsom called the remarks "deranged and dangerous," while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass asserted that such statements "could compromise our safety" and that a president's role is to protect the country. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria emphasized that his city is "not collateral damage" and urged Trump to "keep our city out of your reckless war talk". Newsom also directed the State Threat Assessment Center to monitor for any potential threats that might arise from these statements.

In response to the backlash, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung issued a clarification, stating that Trump's comments were being misinterpreted. Cheung explained that the former President was "clearly stating U.S. cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran hadn't been stopped," implying that Trump aimed to highlight the preventative measures taken rather than invite an attack.