US President Donald Trump has sparked a political backlash after suggesting at a rally in Nebraska that Iran could potentially “take out” major American cities, naming Los Angeles and San Diego.
Trump made the comments while discussing the economic consequences of the ongoing conflict with Iran, including higher fuel and other commodity prices.
Speaking to supporters in Grand Island on Monday, he argued that the economic disruption was a relatively small cost compared with what he described as the broader objective of protecting the United States and the wider world.
Trump Says the War’s Economic Cost Is Worth Paying
Trump told the crowd that the economic impact of the conflict was largely artificial and temporary, arguing that Americans could accept higher prices if doing so contributed to national security.
He then referred to the possibility of an attack on a US city, saying that Los Angeles or San Diego could be targeted and describing such a loss as a “small price to pay.”
Trump also told supporters that he expected the conflict to end soon, although he did not provide a specific timeline.
He said the situation was “essentially almost over” and would conclude “one way or the other.”
California Leaders Condemn the Remarks
The president’s comments quickly drew criticism from California’s Democratic leadership.
Governor Gavin Newsom described Trump as “deranged and dangerous” in a post on X, linking his remarks to the federal government’s previous deployment of National Guard troops and Marines in California.
Newsom also highlighted Trump’s earlier statements and actions involving Los Angeles, presenting the latest comments as part of a broader dispute between the White House and California.
Los Angeles Mayor Calls the Statement Dangerous
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also responded sharply.
Bass said it was alarming for the president of the United States to suggest that a foreign government could attack Los Angeles.
She argued that such statements could create safety concerns and potentially undermine public confidence surrounding the security of the city.
Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States by population and the largest city in California, making Trump’s reference particularly significant for California officials and residents.
San Diego Mayor Rejects the Idea of an Expendable City
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria likewise rejected Trump’s framing.
Gloria said San Diego should not be treated as an acceptable cost of pursuing US foreign-policy objectives.
His response reflected the concern among local leaders that the president’s comments appeared to minimise the potential human consequences of an attack on an American city.
Republican Candidate Also Distances Himself
The backlash was not limited to Democrats.
Jim Desmond, a Republican seeking a seat in the US House of Representatives, publicly disagreed with Trump’s comments.
Desmond said he supported the United States standing up to Iran and defending American interests, but argued that the president’s first responsibility was protecting the American people and the country’s homeland.
He specifically rejected the idea that any American city could be considered expendable or that American families should be treated as collateral damage.
Remarks Came During a Campaign Rally
Trump made the comments while campaigning in Nebraska ahead of the November midterm elections.
The president has been travelling to Republican-leaning states as his party seeks to maintain control of Congress, while the economic consequences of the conflict have become an increasingly important political issue.
The rally also included discussion of rising fuel and agricultural costs, issues that have placed additional pressure on American consumers and businesses.
Iran Conflict Has Fueled Economic Concerns
Trump’s comments came against a backdrop of continuing disruption in energy markets linked to the conflict.
Higher fuel prices have become a major concern for American households, farmers and businesses, while disruptions to energy supplies have affected the cost of transportation and other goods.
Trump has defended the broader military effort while arguing that the economic consequences will eventually ease.
His Nebraska remarks appeared to connect those economic sacrifices with the potential consequences of the conflict, although his reference to American cities immediately became the focus of the political reaction.
White House Had Yet to Respond to Criticism
There was no immediate public response from the White House to requests for comment concerning the backlash to Trump’s remarks.
The comments have nevertheless drawn attention beyond the political disagreement between Trump and California leaders, particularly because they involved the possibility of attacks on two major US cities.
The episode adds another contentious moment to an increasingly heated political debate over the war, its economic consequences and the administration’s approach to Iran.
California Cities Become Focus of Political Dispute
Los Angeles and San Diego are among California’s largest population centres, while Los Angeles is the second-most populous city in the United States.
Trump’s decision to name both cities therefore gave his comments a particularly direct impact in California, where Democratic officials have frequently clashed with his administration.
The reaction from both Democratic leaders and at least one Republican candidate underscored the sensitivity surrounding any suggestion that American civilians or cities could be sacrificed as part of a broader wartime objective.
