Mayor Todd Gloria Condemns Trump Comments On San Diego

President Trump Suggests Iran Attack Los Angeles and San Diego at Nebraska Rally

President Donald Trump suggested that a foreign adversary could take out Los Angeles and San Diego as a small price to pay during a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, on Monday, October 5, 2026, sparking swift condemnation from California elected officials, according to abc7.com. Speaking before a midterm campaign crowd alongside Republican Senator Pete Ricketts, Trump linked the ongoing war with Iran to economic costs and defended military actions as necessary to keep the country safe.

During the remarks, Trump said the war’s economic impact was artificial and manageable. He then pivoted to assert that Iran could have targeted U.S. cities, stating, 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 comments drew applause from attendees in Nebraska, where Trump is conducting a 32-day tour ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, abc7.com reported.

San Diego Mayor and California Leaders Condemn Remarks as Reckless

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria issued a strong statement following the speech, declaring that his city is not collateral damage. San Diego serves America, Gloria said, as reported by sandiego.gov. Our servicemembers defend this country. Our shipbuilders keep the fleet ready. Our scientists and researchers develop treatments and technologies that improve lives across the nation. Gloria added that the president casually dismissed nearly 1.4 million residents and called on Trump to retract the remarks and apologize.

Other California leaders quickly denounced the statements on social media. Governor Gavin Newsom called the president deranged and dangerous, writing that Trump was advocating for an attack on more than 10 million residents across two major urban centers. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the comments as dangerous and capable of compromising public safety. San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert called the statements appalling and terrifying, while San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond stated that he vehemently disagreed with writing off American cities as an acceptable price of war.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Campaign Rally and Reactions

Why was President Trump in Nebraska?

Trump was in Grand Island, Nebraska, on Monday, October 5, 2026, for a pre-midterm campaign rally alongside Republican Senator Pete Ricketts as part of a 32-day blitz leading up to the November 3 elections, according to abc7.com.

How did the White House respond to the criticism from California mayors?

There was no immediate reply to an email sent late Monday night to the White House Press Office seeking a response to statements by Mayor Todd Gloria and Governor Gavin Newsom.

More on this story: CA Leaders Slam Trump After He Suggests Iran 'Take Out' LA and San Diego · San Diego Leaders Criticize Council Candidate Over Group's Support