California Governor Gavin Newsom reacted sharply on Monday to President Donald Trump’s comments made at a rally in Grand Island, Nebraska. The president said Iran could “take out” a major U.S. city such as Los Angeles or San Diego, describing any potential attack as a “small price to pay” for keeping the world safe.
Newsom labels Trump “deranged and dangerous”
Newsom posted a video of the Nebraska speech on his X account, writing, “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.” He called the president’s remarks “deranged and dangerous” and warned that such language could undermine public safety.
Mayor Bass joins criticism
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also condemned the comments, stating, “The president of the United States suggested that a foreign government attack Los Angeles. His statements are dangerous and could potentially compromise our safety.” Both officials emphasized that the rhetoric does not reflect the reality of national defense or the safety of California residents.
President Trump’s rationale
During the rally, President Trump framed the statement as part of a broader discussion about wartime economic sacrifices. He said, “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. This is a very small price to pay, and it’s going to be over with very soon.” He added that the conflict was “essentially almost over” and would end “one way or the other” soon.
No White House comment
Reuters reached out to the White House for a response, but no comment was received at the time of publication.
Context and implications
Los Angeles is the second‑most populous city in the nation, and San Diego is the second‑largest city in California. The governor’s and mayor’s swift rebuke highlights the tension between the Trump administration’s aggressive foreign‑policy rhetoric and California’s leadership, which often emphasizes diplomatic solutions and public safety.
While President Trump has previously downplayed inflation concerns linked to the Iran conflict, his latest remarks have sparked a fresh wave of criticism from California officials who argue that such statements risk inflaming public fear and do not contribute constructively to national security discussions.
The exchange underscores the ongoing partisan divide over how the United States should address foreign threats and the language used by national leaders when discussing potential attacks on American soil.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
