Reports say President Trump told a Nebraska rally that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego while calling wartime costs a “small price to pay.”
Story Snapshot
- Multiple outlets quoted Trump suggesting Iran could “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego.
- Trump linked the line to a point about war costs being a “small price to pay”.
- California leaders, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom, condemned the remarks as dangerous.
- Some reports noted the comments may have been unclear or possibly in jest.
What Trump Said At The Nebraska Rally
News reports from Nebraska say President Trump told supporters that higher prices during the war with Iran were a “small price to pay,” and added, “They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.” The lines were quoted by CBS stations in California and other outlets that covered the event soon after it ended. ABC7 also reported the quotes and said the comments drew applause at the rally crowd in Grand Island.
Coverage framed the comments as part of a broader point Trump made about costs and resolve in war. The reports did not include a full official transcript from the campaign. The Los Angeles Times described the delivery as “possibly in jest,” and Forbes wrote it was unclear whether it was a dare or a warning, pointing to lingering questions about tone and intent. The outlets still printed the quotes and treated the lines as newsworthy statements made by the President.
How California Officials Responded
California Democrats moved fast to condemn the remarks. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Trump was telling a foreign enemy to “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego. Newsom’s office told local media the President was “advocating for an attack on 10+ million U.S. residents,” language that raised the stakes to a public-safety concern. Local outlets across Los Angeles amplified the pushback, underscoring how the comments landed in the nation’s second-largest metro area.
Los Angeles media and regional stations covered the responses in real time, showing how quickly a rally line can become a national flashpoint when it names American cities. Fox Los Angeles reported backlash even while noting the line was likely tongue in cheek. This response pattern—incendiary quote, fast condemnation, and debate over meaning—matched how past political dustups have unfolded in modern media cycles.
Why This Matters To Security, Policy, And Values
Foreign adversaries watch America’s debates for signs of division. Iran’s rulers chant “Death to America” and threaten our allies. Any line that sounds like letting an enemy “take out” U.S. cities will be seized by critics to paint America as reckless or unserious. California leaders’ reaction shows how language can be read as risking civilian safety. Supporters may view Trump’s point as resolve and cost tolerance in wartime; opponents saw it as crossing a line.
Conservatives care about peace through strength and protecting American families. Clear words help project that strength. The reporting here supports three facts: the quotes ran as stated, the “small price to pay” framing tied to war costs, and California officials condemned the remarks as dangerous. Some outlets added that the delivery might have been joking or unclear, which explains why reactions split along familiar lines in today’s fast, heated news environment.
Sources:
cbsnews.com, abc7news.com, fox40.com, foxla.com, ktla.com
