Criticism has mounted against President Donald Trump following his remarks about Los Angeles and San Diego during a campaign rally in Nebraska. Speaking on Monday, Trump suggested that Americans should be prepared to make sacrifices, which he implied could include significant damage to U.S. cities in the context of the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
“They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay, and it’s going to be over with very soon,” Trump stated, referring to the potential consequences of an Iranian attack. He characterized these sacrifices as a necessary price for national security and suggested that the impacts of the war, such as rising fuel and fertilizer prices, were manageable.
His comments drew quick backlash from leaders across the political spectrum. California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has often criticized Trump, called the president’s remarks “deranged” in a video posted on social media platform X. “This is not only madness. This is dangerous,” he said, urging Congress to take action against Trump’s rhetoric.
Newsom highlighted the gravity of Trump’s statements by recalling past tensions between the two, including Trump’s controversial deployment of federal troops to California last year to address immigration issues. “The same one who sent the National Guard into Los Angeles… just invited Iran to take out Los Angeles and San Diego,” Newsom added. He suggested that Trump’s remarks should serve as a wake-up call for voters ahead of the November midterms.
Some Republicans also distanced themselves from Trump’s comments. Jim Desmond, a Republican candidate in a competitive House race near San Diego, expressed strong disagreement, stating, “No American city is expendable, and no American family should ever be treated as collateral damage.”
U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, who identifies as an independent but caucuses with Republicans, echoed concerns, labeling Trump’s comments as “unhelpful.”
In contrast, the White House defended Trump’s remarks. Steven Cheung, the White House Director of Communications, described the criticism as part of a “media freakout” and claimed Trump was emphasizing the need for protective measures against a potential nuclear Iran. “America is safer because of the President. Iran has no nuclear, no navy, no air force, and no money,” Cheung stated on social media.
As the midterm elections approach, where all 435 House seats and a third of the Senate are up for election, the fallout from Trump’s statements may have implications for Republican candidates navigating this contentious political landscape.
