California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) sharply criticized President Trump on Tuesday, calling him “deranged and dangerous” after Trump suggested that Iran might be allowed to “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego if Tehran developed nuclear weapons.
Trump made the provocative remarks during a rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, on Monday, defending his administration’s military strikes against Iran while acknowledging the economic toll on American consumers. “It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, for keeping our country safe,” the president said, before adding that Iran could “take out a city.” He then specifically named California’s two largest cities: “Let ‘em take out Los Angeles, let ‘em take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay, and it’s going to be over with very soon.”
Newsom, who is reportedly weighing a presidential bid in 2028, responded on social media, accusing Trump of encouraging attacks on California. “After sending the National Guard to occupy California, Donald Trump is now saying our foreign enemies should ‘take out’ Los Angeles and San Diego,” the governor wrote. “He is deranged and dangerous.” The White House has not yet commented on the governor’s remarks.
Other California officials quickly joined the governor in denouncing Trump’s words. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria (D) posted on X that his city is “not collateral damage” and “not expendable.” He added: “And we are never a ‘small price to pay.’ Keep our city out of your reckless war talk.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) also condemned the president, saying his statements “are dangerous and could potentially compromise our safety.” She continued: “The role of the president is to protect the country, not to actively threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives. In the face of irresponsible threats, as Angelenos, we know how to stand together and protect our city.”
The remarks come amid escalating tensions with Iran and have drawn bipartisan criticism. Some Republican lawmakers have also expressed unease, as seen in Senator Tillis’s sharp response to Trump’s tactics. The controversy adds to a series of contentious moments that have rattled Senate Republicans, including Trump’s doxxing of Senator Tom Cotton over a legislative dispute.
Political analysts note that Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric could further energize Democratic voters, as seen in recent polling that suggests Trump’s presence may boost Democratic turnout more than Republican in upcoming elections. With his approval ratings at a record low, the president’s remarks may complicate GOP efforts in the midterms.
Newsom’s strong rebuke underscores the growing political rift between the governor and the president, as California positions itself as a staunch opponent of Trump’s foreign policy. The governor’s 2028 ambitions are likely to keep him in the national spotlight, and his response to Trump’s latest comments could resonate with Democratic primary voters.
