Trump remarks that Iran could "take out" Los Angeles, San Diego draw backlash

Backlash followed remarks by President Donald Trump implying Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego, during a rally in Nebraska. An administration account on X said Trump meant the U.S. was trying to “STOP Iran from having the ability to take out LA and San Diego.” He framed the issue as a “small price to pay” for safety, saying the comments were “gonna be over very soon.” California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the statement, as did San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, all calling the rhetoric dangerous. The White House pointed to a post from Communications Director Steven Cheung for context, while analysts debated whether the intent was deliberately indirect.