Donald Trump’s remark that Iran could "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego has drawn criticism from California’s top officials. The comment, made during a campaign rally in Nebraska, was described by Gov. Gavin Newsom as "deranged and dangerous," and by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as a threat that could spur attacks on American lives.
In a statement from the White House, officials said Trump was reminding the public that U.S. cities would have faced Iranian attacks if the country had a functional nuclear program—an attack the administration claims was averted by earlier military action.
Both Los Angeles and San Diego host major U.S. military installations, including naval bases and air‑force facilities, making them symbolic targets in the narrative of global security.
California officials responded by activating the State Threat Assessment Center and warning that foreign actors might interpret the remarks as an invitation. Mayor Todd Gloria demanded that Trump avoid "reckless war talk" that could endanger local citizens.
White House Communications Director Stephen Cheung dismissed the surge of media coverage as a "media freakout," insisting that the president’s remarks were framed as a defense against a nuclear threat, and labeling journalists from the Los Angeles Times as "buffoons."
The incident adds to a series of public spats between Trump and Newsom, who has previously criticized the former president’s handling of state emergencies and military force.
