California Leaders Demand Trump Removal After Iran Comments
Gov. Newsom and mayors cite dangerous rhetoric following claims about Los Angeles and San Diego.
President Donald Trump has faced intense backlash from California leaders after suggesting that Iran could destroy major American cities. The controversy erupted after the President stated during a speech that allowing Iran to harm Southern California was a "small price to pay for keeping the world safe." Specifically, he remarked, "They could take out a city... Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego," adding that such destruction would be over quickly. This rhetoric has triggered immediate and fierce responses from Democratic officials across the state.
Newsom Leads Call for Removal
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is rumored to be considering a 2028 presidential run, released a video condemning Trump's remarks as "madness," "dangerous," and "deranged." In his statement, Newsom questioned the silence of congressional leaders, asking directly where Speaker Johnson, Senator Marco Rubio, and J.D. Vance were in terms of outrage. He urged voters to take action in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections if Congress fails to act on removing Trump from office, more context in California officials condemn Trump's remarks about Iran targeting LA and San Diego.
Local Mayors Slam Rhetoric
The backlash extended beyond Sacramento to local city leaders who felt directly threatened by the President's words. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria stated that his city was not "collateral damage" or "expendable," urging Trump to keep such reckless war talk out of their community. Similarly, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized that a president's role is to protect the country rather than encourage attacks on American lives, as this newspaper reported in California officials condemn Trump's remarks about Iran targeting LA and San Diego.
White House Response and Media Reaction
The White House attempted to clarify the President's position, claiming his comments were taken out of context. A White House social media account argued that Trump was actually stating the U.S. is fighting to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capable of destroying Los Angeles and San Diego. Meanwhile, hosts on "The View" expressed shock, with co-host Sunny Hostin noting that 10 million Americans live in those areas and suggesting serious consideration for invoking the 25th Amendment.
