TRUMP: " Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego."

 

On October 5, 2026, President Donald Trump delivered remarks at a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska. The event primarily addressed ongoing tensions involving Iran and the domestic economic impact, specifically rising fuel prices.

During his speech, Trump argued that recent increases in gas and diesel prices were temporary and "artificial" economic trade-offs necessary to protect national security and neutralize threats posed by Iran. In the context of framing these global security efforts, Trump stated:

"It's a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe... They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego."

The Two Perspectives and Interpretations

1. The Supporters' View and Intended Context

Defenders and supporters contend that Trump was using exaggerated rhetorical hypotheticals to make a broader point about military deterrence and national defense. Under this framing, the remarks were intended to demonstrate that the Iranian regime is severely weakened—or incapable of posing a sustained existential threat—and that any potential aggression or economic disruption caused by containment measures is a minor trade-off for overall global stability. The argument emphasizes that he was extolling the strength of the U.S. military and the neutralization of foreign threats, rather than literally advocating for the destruction of American cities.

2. Critics' Response and Backlash

Democratic leaders and local officials strongly criticized the phrasing, interpreting it as reckless rhetoric from a Commander-in-Chief. California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X that Trump was suggesting foreign enemies "take out" California cities and called the rhetoric "deranged and dangerous." Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also issued statements condemning the suggestion that any American city or resident should be framed as a "small price to pay" or "collateral damage" in foreign policy discussions.