Trump suggested Iran could “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego during a Nebraska rally. California officials across party lines condemned the remarks.
President Donald Trump suggested during a rally in Nebraska on Monday that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego, remarks that drew swift, bipartisan condemnation from California officials. Speaking about gas prices tied to the war with Iran, Trump told supporters, “It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, for keeping our country safe. They could take out a city. Let ’em take out Los Angeles, let ’em take out San Diego,” before adding, “It’s essentially almost over with.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom called Trump “deranged and dangerous” in response, writing on social media, “After sending the National Guard and Marines to occupy California, Donald Trump is now saying our foreign enemies should ‘take out’ Los Angeles and San Diego.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also criticized the remarks, with Gloria writing, “San Diego is not collateral damage.” Criticism extended beyond Democrats: San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, a Trump-endorsed Republican running for Congress, said he “vehemently” disagreed with the president’s comments.
The White House subsequently defended the remarks, posting on social media that Trump “was saying the U.S. is fighting to STOP Iran from having the ability to take out LA and San Diego with a nuclear weapon, which they would if they had the chance.” The administration did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for further comment. The exchange adds to ongoing tension between Trump and California’s Democratic leadership, which has included disputes over federal deployment of National Guard and Marine personnel to Los Angeles earlier this year.
This report is based on information from Reuters (via WMBD Radio), Fox5 San Diego, KTLA and the Jerusalem Post.