Trump Comments on Iran and U.S. Cities at Campaign Rally Draw Criticism

President Trump spoke at a campaign rally on October 5, 2026, in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he suggested that Iran could 'take out' Los Angeles and San Diego. His remarks, which were met with cheers from the crowd, prompted immediate backlash from California leaders. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump, calling him 'deranged and dangerous' and stating that he was advocating for an attack on over 10 million residents in two major U.S. cities. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also responded, emphasizing that the city is not 'collateral damage' and should not be considered a 'small price to pay.' Trump's comments came during a broader speech where he discussed various topics, including gas prices and foreign policy. It remains unclear if his comments were based on any intelligence, as U.S. officials have previously indicated that Iran's missile capabilities do not extend to the U.S. mainland. In March, there were warnings about a potential drone attack from Iran, but officials stated there was no credible intelligence to support such claims. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass labeled Trump's remarks as 'dangerous,' asserting that the president's role should be to protect the country rather than threaten it. Senator Adam Schiff and gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra also criticized Trump's comments, highlighting the serious implications of his statements for the safety of Californians.