Online debate: Did Trump suggest letting Iran strike US cities?
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Donald Trump sparked intense backlash from California leaders and citzens after stating at a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, that the military campaign against Iran was a "small price to pay" and remarking, "let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego."
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The President callously called the lives of 13 million Americans “a small price to pay” in his war. Comments like these from the commander in chief are unworthy of the office. Republican, Democrat, it makes no difference: the President’s obligation to defend all Americans is sacred. San Diego, Los Angeles, and the entirety of our nation deserve better. This is a shocking low, even for Donald Trump.
— Rob Bonta (@AGRobBonta) October 6, 2026
Donald Trump’s remarks were dangerous — if not treasonous — putting a target on two of our biggest cities and one of America’s largest naval hubs. I am directing the State Threat Assessment Center to actively monitor the situation in the event that foreign actors interpret the President’s remarks as an invitation to target California.
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) October 6, 2026
After his speech, Trump supporters defended his comment saying that he was suggesting that higher fuel prices are a small price to pay to make sure Iran can’t take out LA, saying not to take his words at face value.
If you actually believe President Donald Trump was saying Iran should “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego, you’re everything wrong with everything. Context. It matters.
— Angela Belcamino (@AngelaBelcamino) October 6, 2026
No, he didn't, you buffoons. 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.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 6, 2026
Conversely, California officials and citizens rejected that framing. State leaders characterized the remarks as an unacceptable dismissal of American safety, with some critics calling for formal remedies under the 25th Amendment, asserting that foreign military threats against major US cities should never be trivialized.
He said “LET EM…” He said “LET EM…” Quit treating Trump like he’s a 3yr old. Quit sanewashing Trump. Quit holding him to a pathetically low standard you hold no other public figure to. Quit minimizing the ugly, cruel, dishonest, dangerous, un-American, idiotic, sociopathic, ignorant, anti-democratic, fascist shit he says. Quit doing that.
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) October 6, 2026
25th Amendment NOW.
— Senator Alex Padilla (@SenAlexPadilla) October 6, 2026
