California officials condemn Trump's comment that Iran could 'take out' Los Angeles and San Diego

President Donald Trump suggested at a Nebraska political rally on Monday that Iran could "take out" a major US city like Los Angeles or San Diego.

The remark drew a swift rebuke from California's Democratic leaders and some fellow Republicans. Trump was discussing American wartime economic sacrifices.

What did Trump say about Iran and Los Angeles?

Speaking in Grand Island, Nebraska, Trump called it "a small price to pay," apparently referring to rising prices and said: "They could take out a city. Let 'em take out Los Angeles, let 'em take out San Diego."

He added that the war would be over "very soon."

What else did Trump say at the Nebraska rally?

Trump spoke in the state's farm belt about a month before midterm elections that could sweep Democrats back in control of Congress. He said he was determined to "see a tremendous victory, because it verifies all the things we did."

He also told the crowd: "And again, remember, with the war, it's just artificial, it's a little bit high, it's a small price to pay." The comment apparently referred to rising prices of fuel, fertilizer and other products attributed to energy market disruptions from the war.

"It's essentially almost over with," Trump went on. "But it's going to end very soon, and it's going to end one way or the other." Trump has shrugged off inflation concerns stemming from the Iran conflict before. He has also downplayed concerns about the potential for Iran or its allies to launch an attack on US soil.

How did California officials respond to Trump's comments?

California Governor Gavin Newsom denounced Trump as "deranged and dangerous." "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 wrote on X.

Newsom is a Democrat who has positioned himself as a major political foil to Trump and is considered a possible candidate for the Democratic Party's 2028 presidential nomination. He paired a video clip of Trump in Nebraska with the president's previous rhetoric to justify deploying US troops to Los Angeles and other cities to fight crime and enforce immigration.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat and former member of Congress, also criticized Trump. "The president of the United States suggested that a foreign government attack Los Angeles. His statements against our city are dangerous and could potentially compromise our safety," she said in a statement.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, a Democrat, wrote on X: "We are never a 'small price to pay.' Keep our city out of your reckless war talk."

Did any Republicans criticize Trump's comments?

Jim Desmond, a California Republican seeking a US House seat, distanced himself from the remarks. "I vehemently disagree with President Trump's comments. America must stand up to Iran and defend our interests, but the first responsibility of our Commander in Chief is to protect the American people and our homeland," he wrote on X.

"No American city is expendable, and no American family should ever be treated as collateral damage," Desmond added. There was no immediate response from the White House to a request by Reuters for comment on the criticism.

How big are Los Angeles and San Diego?

Los Angeles and San Diego are the largest and second-largest cities in California by population. Los Angeles is the second-most populous city in the nation, trailing only New York City.