US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after suggesting during a political rally that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego, prompting sharp criticism from the mayors of both California cities.
Trump made the remarks while addressing supporters at a rally in Nebraska on Monday, as he discussed the impact of the war with Iran on fuel prices across the United States.
Speaking about the additional costs Americans have faced at petrol stations, Trump described higher fuel prices as a relatively small sacrifice before turning to Iran’s military capabilities.
Trump claimed Iran had the ability to strike an American city, although he did not provide evidence to support the assertion.
Trump on Iran: Let ’em take out Los Angeles and San Diego, it’s a small price to pay https://t.co/Fc4BcjVDKj
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) October 6, 2026
He then told the crowd: “Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.”
The comments immediately drew attention because both cities are home to millions of Americans, while San Diego also has a major US military presence.
San Diego Home to Major US Military Facilities
San Diego is one of the most strategically important military cities in the United States and is home to Naval Base San Diego and several other military installations.
Trump’s remarks therefore raised further questions about his decision to name the city while discussing a potential Iranian attack on American territory.
During the same speech, the president defended the higher fuel costs Americans have experienced during the conflict with Iran, describing them as a “small price” to pay.
Trump also suggested that the war was nearing its conclusion, telling supporters it was “essentially almost over with”.
Los Angeles and San Diego Mayors Condemn Remarks
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass quickly criticised Trump’s comments, arguing that a US president should be focused on protecting American cities rather than appearing to encourage attacks against them.
“The role of a president is to protect the country, not to actively threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives,” Bass wrote on X.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria issued a similarly strong response.
“San Diego is not collateral damage. We are not expendable. And we are never a ‘small price to pay,’” Gloria said.
He added: “Keep our city out of your reckless war talk.”
Trump’s comments are expected to fuel further political criticism over his rhetoric surrounding the Iran conflict, particularly after explicitly naming two major American cities while discussing the possibility of an attack on US soil.
Discover more from Niyi Daram
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
