President Donald Trump spoke at a rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, on Monday and made remarks that sparked controversy. He suggested that Iran could target American cities, saying, “They can take out a city—let ’em take out Los Angeles, let ’em take out San Diego. That’s a very small price to pay.” Trump also referenced the high fuel prices caused by Operation Epic Fury, noting the national average price was $4.37 per gallon.
California officials responded sharply. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump on X, calling him “deranged and dangerous,” and Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles said the president’s role is to protect the country, not threaten it. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria echoed the sentiment, insisting the city was “not collateral damage” and should not be subject to reckless war talk.
The comments prompted calls for political action. San Diego City Councilmember and congressional candidate Marni von Wilpert urged that Trump’s remarks constitute an impeachable offense, arguing that the commander‑in‑chief’s oath is to safeguard American lives. Meanwhile, Trump‑backed San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, a Republican and Navy veteran, stated he “vehemently” disagreed with the president, emphasizing that no American city or family should be expendable.
The Department of Defense estimates the Iran conflict, which began on February 28, has cost $43 billion. U.S. forces have suffered 19 fatalities and hundreds of injuries in the Persian Gulf to date.
