The White House on Tuesday pushed back against the backlash over President Trump's remarks at a Monday evening rally, where he suggested Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego. Communications director Steven Cheung dismissed the criticism as a “media freakout” that is “not rooted in reality.”
In a post on X, Cheung argued that Trump was “clearly stating U.S. cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran hadn't been stopped,” adding that “America is safer because of the President.” He also claimed Iran now has “no nuclear, no navy, no air force, and no money.”
The White House's Rapid Response account also took aim at a Los Angeles Times post that characterized Trump's comments as suggesting “letting Iran take out” the California cities. “No, he didn't, you buffoons,” the White House post read. “He was saying the U.S. is fighting to STOP Iran from having the ability to take out LA and San Diego with a nuclear weapon — which they would if they had the chance.”
Trump made the original remarks at a midterm rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he appeared to reference the ongoing conflict with Iran. “It's a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, for keeping our country safe,” he said, before adding that Iran could “take out a city.” He then continued, “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.”
The comments drew sharp rebukes from California Democrats, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who is weighing a potential 2028 presidential bid. “After sending the National Guard to occupy California, Donald Trump is now saying our foreign enemies should 'take out' Los Angeles and San Diego,” Newsom wrote on social media. “He is deranged and dangerous.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the remarks “dangerous and could potentially compromise our safety,” while San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said in a statement that his city is “not collateral damage.” Their reactions were echoed by other state officials, who argued that the president's words could undermine public confidence in emergency preparedness and national security.
The dispute comes as Trump's approval ratings remain mired at record lows, with Republicans facing an uphill battle in the upcoming midterms. The president's confrontational rhetoric on Iran has also drawn scrutiny from within his own party, as some lawmakers worry about the implications of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
White House officials, however, insisted that the president's remarks were taken out of context and that his focus remains on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The administration has pointed to its maximum pressure campaign as evidence of its commitment to U.S. security.
Despite the pushback, the controversy shows no signs of abating, as Democrats continue to use Trump's words to paint him as reckless and unfit for office. The episode adds to a growing list of contentious moments that have defined the president's relationship with California, a state he has frequently criticized.
