Trump san diego California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have sharply criticized President Donald Trump following comments in which he suggested that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego.
Trump made the remarks Monday night, October 5, during a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska. While discussing the ongoing Iran war and its impact on Americans, Trump said that allowing a city to be targeted would be a “very small price to pay” for keeping the country safe.
Newsom Condemns Trump’s Comments
Newsom responded on social media, describing Trump’s remarks as dangerous and unacceptable. The California governor pointed to the president’s previous deployment of federal forces to California and argued that Trump was now suggesting that foreign enemies attack major California cities.
Newsom’s office also said the president was effectively advocating an attack on more than 10 million people living in Los Angeles and San Diego. The governor called the comments “deranged and dangerous,” escalating an already tense political dispute between the California governor and the White House.
Bass Says Remarks Could Threaten Los Angeles
Bass also responded, warning that Trump’s comments could have consequences for public safety in Los Angeles.
“The President of the United States suggested that a foreign government attack Los Angeles,” Bass said in a statement. She argued that the president’s responsibility is to protect Americans rather than encourage or threaten attacks against American communities.
Bass added that Angelenos would continue to stand together in response to what she described as irresponsible threats.
San Diego Mayor Also Responds trump san diego
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria separately condemned Trump’s comments, saying San Diego should not be treated as expendable or as collateral damage.
Trump’s remarks came as he was campaigning in Nebraska ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. His comments immediately drew criticism from California officials and renewed attention to his increasingly confrontational rhetoric surrounding the war.
The White House had not immediately issued a response to the criticism from Newsom and Bass, according to reports.
The episode adds another major point of conflict between Trump and California’s Democratic leadership, while raising questions about the potential impact of presidential rhetoric involving major U.S. population centers and national security.