Politics

California leaders rebuke Trump over rally remarks on Iran attacking cities

Officials condemned statements suggesting Iran could target Los Angeles and San Diego.

Updated Oct 8, 2026 · 06:38 UTC9 reports

The short version

Donald Trump suggested during a Nebraska rally that Iran could take out Los Angeles and San Diego, drawing applause from attendees.[CBS News · The Guardian]
California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria strongly condemned the remarks as dangerous and reckless.[CBS News · The Guardian]
Both California cities house major national defense installations, though defense officials have previously assessed Iran lacks mainland strike capabilities.[CBS News · The Guardian]

At a rally in Nebraska on Monday night, Trump told supporters that Iran could 'take out' Los Angeles and San Diego.[The Guardian]
California Governor Gavin Newsom denounced Trump's remarks, calling him 'deranged and dangerous'.[CBS News · The Guardian]
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that the president's duty is to protect the country rather than encourage attacks against American lives.[The Guardian]
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria stated the city is not collateral damage, expendable, or a 'small price to pay'.[CBS News]
Los Angeles houses Space Systems Command Headquarters and key aerospace contractors, while San Diego hosts major military bases including the Pacific Fleet's homeport.[CBS News]
U.S. defense officials have previously stated that Iran lacks the capability to conduct direct missile attacks against the American mainland.[The Guardian]

Some conservative activists contended that Trump's phrase 'small price to pay' referenced gasoline prices rather than Iranian strike capabilities against U.S. cities.[The Guardian]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.