President Donald Trump sparked a swift backlash from California’s top elected officials after he told a rally audience in Nebraska that Tehran’s ability to "take out" Los Angeles or San Diego would be "a small price to pay for keeping the world safe." The comment, made while discussing higher gas prices linked to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, was met with cheers from part of the crowd, prompting a coordinated response from state and local leaders.
Political Reactions in California
Governor Gavin Newsom labeled the president "deranged and dangerous," calling the suggestion of targeting U.S. cities "disgusting and disqualifying." In a post on his official X account, Newsom shared a Los Angeles Times article that highlighted the remarks and added his condemnation.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the president’s duty to protect, stating, "The role of a president is to protect the country, not to actively threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives." San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria echoed the sentiment, writing that the city "is not collateral damage" and urging Trump to refrain from "reckless war talk."
Why Los Angeles and San Diego Matter
Both cities host critical military installations that make them strategic targets in any potential conflict:
- Los Angeles – Home to the Space Systems Command headquarters of the U.S. Space Force and the Los Angeles Air Force Base.
- San Diego – Base of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet at Naval Base San Diego, the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado (the West Coast training hub for Navy SEALs), and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, which employs roughly 70,000 service members and civilians.
The presence of these installations underscores why officials were particularly alarmed by Trump’s remarks, which seemed to trivialize the potential consequences of an Iranian strike.
Historical Context of the Trump‑Newsom Relationship
The latest exchange adds to a pattern of public clashes between Trump and Newsom. In 2023, Trump criticized Newsom’s response to violent protests in Los Angeles, calling the governor "incompetent." Newsom, in turn, accused Trump of a "brazen abuse of power" after federal troops were deployed to secure federal buildings during those protests. Earlier in the year, Trump mocked Newsom’s dyslexia, prompting backlash from dyslexia advocacy groups.
Broader Implications
Beyond the immediate political fallout, the incident raises questions about the impact of presidential rhetoric on national security. Experts note that public statements suggesting foreign adversaries could target U.S. cities may embolden hostile actors or create unnecessary public anxiety. The coordinated condemnation from California’s leadership signals a desire to distance the state’s institutions from any perception that they are being used as rhetorical fodder in political campaigns.
Conclusion
California’s swift and unified response highlights the seriousness with which state officials view any suggestion of targeting American cities, especially those housing key military assets. While the president’s remarks were made in the context of a campaign rally, the backlash underscores the broader expectation that national leaders exercise restraint and responsibility when discussing matters of war and security.
