Los Angeles and California officials were reacting with outrage Tuesday to President Donald Trump’s comment Monday that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego, while the White House said the remark was being misinterpreted.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, Trump said: “I want to see a tremendous victory. You want to see a tremendous victory because it verifies all the things we did. And again, remember, with the war, just artificial. It’s a little bit high. It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe. They can take out a city. Let them take. Let them. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.
“This is the first fall price of pay, and it’s going to be over with very soon. It’s essentially almost over with, and they might keep going a little long. You know, they always say they have a big threshold for pay. They need it. Let me tell you, they need it. But it’s going to end very soon, and it’ll end one way or the other, and your gas and your gasoline and all of the things,” Trump continued.
The comment drew quick criticism from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
“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,” Bass said in a statement. “The role of a president is to protect the country, not to actively threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives. In the face of irresponsible threats, as Angelenos, we know how to stand together and protect our city.”
Councilwoman Nithya Raman, who is running against Bass for mayor, said of the president’s comment: “This is reckless, dangerous, and unhinged. Four million Angelenos are not bargaining chips.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom — who is widely expected to run for president in 2028 — released the following statement Tuesday morning: “Donald Trump’s remarks were dangerous — if not treasonous — putting a target on two of our biggest cities and one of America’s largest naval hubs. I am directing the State Threat Assessment Center to actively monitor the situation in the event that foreign actors interpret the president’s remarks as an invitation to target California.”
However, Steven Cheung, the White House director of communications, said the Democratic officials were misinterpreting what the president meant.
“The media freakout over President Trump’s comments is not rooted in reality. He was clearly stating U.S. cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran hadn’t been stopped. America is safer because of the president. Iran has no nuclear, no navy, no air force, and no money,” Cheung said.