Trump says Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego, prompting California backlash

The comment, made during a campaign stop in Nebraska, sparked immediate rebuke from Governor Gavin Newsom, Mayor Todd Gloria and musician Jack White.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:46:17 GMT

President Donald Trump told a campaign rally in Nebraska on Monday that Iran could "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego, a remark that drew swift condemnation from California leaders and public figures.

What happened

During the rally, Trump said the United States was willing to accept the loss of a city as "a small price to pay" for keeping the country safe, adding, "Let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego." The crowd cheered as he delivered the line.

What the reports add

Los Angeles Times reported that California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X that Trump was "deranged and dangerous" after suggesting foreign enemies could target the state’s major cities. The governor also referenced the National Guard and Marines being sent to California earlier in the year. The same outlet quoted San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who wrote that San Diego is "not collateral damage" and called the comment "reckless war talk." Rolling Stone added that musician Jack White posted a social‑media message calling Trump the "worst American of all time" and mocking the suggestion as a joke aimed at "owning the libs." CBS News provided a video roundup noting the fallout but did not add new quotes.

What was said

"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," Newsom wrote on X, according to the Los Angeles Times.
"San Diego is not collateral damage. We are not expendable. Keep our city out of your reckless war talk," Mayor Todd Gloria said in a post, also cited by the Los Angeles Times.
Jack White wrote, "Hey Republicans and conservatives that live in L.A. and San Diego; how do you feel about your Fuhrer recommending that the cities you live in get attacked?" Rolling Stone reported.

How it came about

The comment was made as Trump continues a 32‑day midterm campaign tour that began on Oct. 2 with rallies in Texas and Oklahoma (Felo coverage). The rally followed weeks of heightened rhetoric around Iran, including Trump's expectation of renewed talks (Sept. 28) and his naming of the Strait of Hormuz as the "Trump Strait" (Sept. 26). The campaign’s focus on national security has intensified as Trump prepares for the upcoming midterm elections.

Key facts

President Trump suggested Iran could "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego at a Nebraska rally. (latimes.com)
Governor Gavin Newsom called the suggestion "deranged and dangerous" on X. (latimes.com)
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said the city is "not collateral damage" and condemned the remarks. (latimes.com)
Musician Jack White labeled Trump the "worst American of all time" in a social‑media post. (rollingstone.com)

Timeline

2026-09-26 — Trump calls Strait of Hormuz "Trump Strait" in satirical Truth Social post.
2026-09-28 — Trump expects more Iran talks within the week.
2026-10-02 — Trump launches 32‑day midterm campaign tour.
2026-10-04 — Senior‑team meeting at Camp David on Iran options.
2026-10-05 — Trump makes Iran comment at Nebraska rally.