RismadarVoice Reporters
October 6, 2026
The White House has rejected accusations that President Donald Trump encouraged Iran to attack Los Angeles and San Diego, saying his controversial remarks were intended as a warning about the potential threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran.
Trump drew criticism following comments at a Republican campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, on Monday, where he discussed the economic consequences of the ongoing conflict with Iran and defended the costs associated with the war.
Speaking about keeping the United States and the wider world safe, Trump described the economic burden as a “small price to pay” before referring to the possibility of Iran being able to destroy a major American city.
“They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego,” Trump said.
The remarks immediately generated criticism from political leaders in California, who interpreted them as suggesting that attacks on the two cities could be tolerated.
California Governor Gavin Newsom accused Trump of encouraging a foreign adversary to attack American cities and described the comments as dangerous.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also criticised the remarks, arguing that the responsibility of a president is to protect American cities and citizens.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria similarly rejected any suggestion that his city could be treated as collateral damage.
The White House, however, disputed that interpretation.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said Trump was not calling for attacks on American cities but was explaining the danger the United States could face if Iran acquired the capability to threaten the country with nuclear weapons.
The administration maintained that Trump’s broader argument was that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon was necessary to protect American cities.
The controversy comes as Trump campaigns for Republican candidates ahead of the November midterm elections while defending his administration’s handling of the conflict with Iran and its economic consequences.
The president has repeatedly argued that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons is central to US national security.
Trump’s remarks in Nebraska, however, have intensified political debate over his rhetoric as campaigning gathers momentum ahead of the elections.
