White House rips 'media freakout' over Trump suggesting Iran could take out LA, San Diego with nukes

WASHINGTON — The White House lashed out at Democrats and the media for suggesting that President Trump encouraged Iran to “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego during a rally on Monday. During a pre-midterm rally in Nebraska , Trump blasted 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. 3 California Gov. Gavin Newsom called Trump “deranged and dangerous” following his comments about “taking out” California cities. AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli “This is a very small price to pay, and it’s going to be over with very soon.” White House communications director Steven Cheung responded to backlash over the remarks . “The media freakout over President Trump’s comments is not rooted in reality,” he posted on X. “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.” Explore More Flying solo: Intoxicated woman allegedly masturbates on plane Trump attacks Democratic Senate candidate Annie Andrews with anti-trans slur ‘Cornell 7’ frat brother apologizes to Jane Doe about ‘backlash’ in newly obtained phone call Trump’s remarks had also drawn 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.” 3 President Trump appeared to suggest that Iran could take out several cities if he didn’t go to war to stop the regime from obtaining a nuke. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel 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 spokesperson Davis Ingle added in a brief comment to The Post that “Gavin Newscum is the worst governor in America, and he also may be the dumbest.” 3 California Gov. Gavin Newsom has worked to emulate President Trump’s social media tactics. REUTERS 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,” a nickname which has been adopted by his most devoted allies. Bass, meanwhile, decried Trump’s remarks as “dangerous.” 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 “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. 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!’”