Trump Says Iran Can «Take Out» Los Angeles and San Diego and Calls It a «Small Price to Pay»

Donald Trump sparked fierce backlash during an October 5 campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, after saying Iran could «take out» Los Angeles or San Diego. The comments came as Trump defended his administration’s ongoing war with Iran and sought to minimize the economic disruptions Americans have experienced as a consequence of the conflict.

Speaking about higher costs associated with the war, Trump characterized the pressures as temporary and justified by national security. «And again, remember, with the war, it’s just artificial. It’s a little bit high. It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe.» He then turned to the potential threat from Iran.

Trump then shifted to the potential consequences of the conflict and explicitly named two major American cities. «They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego. That’s, this is a small price to pay, and it’s gonna be over very soon.» The statement immediately triggered criticism over his characterization of such a scenario.

California Governor Gavin Newsom responded by connecting Trump’s words to his previous deployment of federal forces in the state. «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 is deranged and dangerous.» Newsom subsequently announced additional security precautions.

Newsom later said: «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.» He announced that California’s State Threat Assessment Center would actively monitor whether foreign actors interpreted Trump’s remarks as «an invitation to target California.»

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass argued that Trump’s comments could have consequences for her city’s security. «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 a president’s responsibility was to protect Americans rather than encourage attacks against them.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria rejected any characterization of his city as an acceptable consequence of the conflict. «San Diego is not collateral damage. We are not expendable. And we are never a “small price to pay.” Keep our city out of your reckless war talk.» San Diego also hosts extensive U.S. military infrastructure and personnel.

Senator Bernie Sanders broadened the criticism beyond California. «I can’t believe we have to say this, but the annihilation of two major American cities — more than 5 million people — is not a “small price to pay” for Trump’s illegal war. Neither are the 19 American troops and 3,000+ Iranians who lost their lives. Our president is unhinged.»

Maria Shriver argued Americans outside California should also pay attention. «This should outrage every American. This is the president of the United States telling Iran to bomb American cities. I live in Los Angeles, but that’s beside the point. Tommorow it could be your city.» Republican congressional candidate Jim Desmond also rejected treating American cities as expendable.

The White House disputed the interpretation offered by Trump’s critics, maintaining that he was not inviting Iran to attack California. The administration said Trump was instead describing a hypothetical danger posed by a nuclear-armed Iran and arguing that his military policies were intended to prevent an adversary from gaining the ability to threaten American cities.

The dispute consequently centers on both Trump’s precise words and their surrounding context. His critics point to «Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego» and its proximity to his «small price to pay» remark. The White House maintains the passage was a warning about what Iran could potentially do, rather than approval of such an attack.