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WASHINGTON — Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom blasted President Trump as “deranged” late Monday after he appeared to joke that Iran would be able to “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego if it obtained nuclear weapons.
During a pre-midterm rally in Nebraska, Trump attacked his critics over the war in Iran, contending that the spike in gas prices is a “small price to pay” to protect the homeland from a nuclear-armed Islamic Republic.
“With the war, it’s just artificial. It’s a little bit high. It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe. For keeping our country safe,” Trump told the crowd. “They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.
“This is a very small price to pay, and it’s going to be over with very soon.”
The remarks drew instant backlash from Golden State officials, who interpreted Trump’s remarks as giving Iran permission to obliterate America’s second- and eighth-most populated cities.
“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,” Newsom fired back on X.
“He is deranged and dangerous.”
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.
He is deranged and dangerous. https://t.co/N4JQfecAYo
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 6, 2026
Newsom’s press office X account chimed in that “The President is advocating for an attack on 10+ million U.S. residents in two of America’s largest cities.”
“This is not normal. None of this is.”
White House communications director Steven Cheung responded on X Tuesday morning.
“The media freakout over President Trump’s comments is not rooted in reality,” he said. “He was clearly stating U.S. cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran hadn’t been stopped. America is safer because of the President. Iran has no nuclear, no navy, no air force, and no money.”
Trump has long had a strained relationship with California Democrats. Last year, he publicly scolded LA Mayor Karen Bass and Newsom over the slow pace of reconstruction efforts after the deadly Palisades wildfire.
With Newsom seemingly set on a 2028 presidential run, Trump has repeatedly jabbed at the governor by dubbing him “Newscum.”
Bass, meanwhile, decried Trump’s remarks as “dangerous.”
“The role of a president is to protect the country, not to actively threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives,” she argued in a statement.
California Democratic gubernatorial nominee Xavier Becerra also laced into Trump.
“Thirteen million Californians call LA and San Diego counties home. Their lives are not a ‘small price to pay’ or a punchline for Donald Trump,” he jabbed on X.
Thirteen million Californians call LA and San Diego counties home. Their lives are not a “small price to pay” or a punchline for Donald Trump. https://t.co/TG23f6b5XF
— Xavier Becerra (@XavierBecerra) October 6, 2026
Trump has been ramping up his midterm campaigning regimen this month, with a number of stops scheduled in traditionally Republican states.
Democrats are favored to regain control of the House, while the fate of the Senate is seen as a toss-up with four weeks to go before election day.
“My Rally crowds and enthusiasm are unbelievable! Nobody has ever seen anything like it. We are flipping races all over the place,” Trump declared on Truth Social Tuesday. “The Dumocrats never counted on this.”
“Watch for the ‘Midterm Surprise!’”
