• President Trump suggested letting Iran 'take out' Los Angeles and San Diego at a rally.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom labeled Trump's comments as "deranged and dangerous."
• Local leaders condemned Trump's rhetoric, emphasizing the safety of American cities.

During a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, President Trump made controversial remarks suggesting that it would be acceptable for Iran to "take out" major U.S. cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. He stated, “This is a very small price to pay for keeping the world safe,” referencing the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran and rising gas prices due to the war. His comments were met with cheering from parts of the crowd, a reaction that quickly drew outrage from California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who both condemned the comments as reckless and dangerous. The president's remarks seemed to downplay the potential risks of military action, according to Los Angeles Times, Reuters, and BBC.

Newsom, who has positioned himself as a political opponent to Trump, blasted the president's assertions on social media, calling him "deranged and dangerous." He further remarked, “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,” highlighting a serious critique of Trump's approach to national security. Mayor Bass echoed this sentiment by emphasizing that the role of the president is to protect American lives, stating, "His statements against our city are dangerous and could potentially compromise our safety,” according to Los Angeles Times, Reuters, and BBC.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also criticized Trump's comments, asserting that “San Diego is not collateral damage,” and urged the president to refrain from "reckless war talk." Following Trump's speech, he reiterated the gravity of the situation for major cities that host critical military installations, including Naval Base San Diego and Los Angeles Air Force Base. Political observers noted that such rhetoric from a former president has significant implications for local safety and national discourse, according to Los Angeles Times, Reuters, and BBC.