California leaders rebuke Trump over remarks about Iran striking Los Angeles and San Diego

What This is

• At an Oct. 5 campaign rally in Nebraska, President Donald Trump said Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego and described it as “a very small price to pay.”
• Trump made the remarks while arguing that higher gas prices tied to the Iran war were a small price to pay for keeping the United States safe.
• California officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, condemned the comments as reckless and dangerous.
• Gov. Newsom directed California’s State Threat Assessment Center to monitor for possible threats following the remarks.
• Newsom and several other officials urged considering the 25th Amendment, which allows a president to be removed if deemed unable to perform the duties of the office.
• National security experts noted there is no clear intelligence that Iran can strike California as Trump described, citing limits on Iran's long-range missile reach and its lack of known nuclear weapons.
• The remarks drew bipartisan criticism, including from a Republican candidate in San Diego who called the comments unacceptable.

Why This Matters

• Presidential rhetoric about accepting attacks can influence how Americans judge a leader’s basic duty to protect the public.
• The dispute illustrates how unclear or improvised comments can create real fear and confusion about national security.
• The rhetoric could shift public backing for the Iran conflict by tying wartime goals to everyday costs like gas prices.
• The fallout deepens the political clash between the White House and California leaders, potentially shaping midterm messaging in competitive races.