Trump's 'Let Them Take Out LA' Remark Sparks Backlash Amid Ongoing Iran War

Key points

• Trump stated at a Grand Island, Nebraska rally that allowing Iran to attack U.S. cities is a 'small price to pay' for global safety, specifically naming Los Angeles and San Diego.
• The White House, via Communications Director Steven Cheung, clarified that Trump was emphasizing the danger of a nuclear-armed Iran, not endorsing an attack on U.S. soil.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the remarks, with Newsom calling Trump 'deranged and dangerous' and Bass stating the comments could compromise city safety.
• The Department of Homeland Security's Securing the Cities program provides $300 million in funding to 14 high-risk metro areas, including Los Angeles, to detect radiological and nuclear materials.
• The conflict with Iran has resulted in at least 19 U.S. service member deaths and rising gas prices, which Trump cited as economic costs of the war.

Background

This incident occurs amid a prolonged U.S. military conflict with Iran that began in early 2026. Previous coverage noted Trump dismissing the conflict as 'small potatoes' despite rising casualties and predicting the war would continue until after the November midterm elections. Tensions escalated in September when U.S. officials cast doubt on the possibility of a nuclear deal with Iran, signaling a shift toward military deterrence over diplomacy.

How outlets are covering it

Axios focused on the federal government's existing nuclear detection infrastructure, detailing the DHS Securing the Cities program and its funding for 14 high-risk regions. NBC Los Angeles emphasized the political fallout, highlighting the sharp divide between the White House's defensive interpretation and the condemnation from California officials and some Republicans. CNN's source was inaccessible due to technical errors, but the other outlets provided comprehensive coverage of the event and reactions.

Why it matters

The remarks underscore the deep polarization surrounding the Iran war and its domestic impact. They raise questions about the administration's communication strategy regarding national security and the potential for rhetoric to influence public perception of threat levels. Additionally, the controversy brings renewed attention to the federal government's preparedness for nuclear attacks in major U.S. cities.

What to watch

The White House is expected to continue defending the Iran war as necessary for national security, while California leaders may increase local security measures in response to the rhetoric. The ongoing conflict with Iran, including its economic impacts like rising gas prices, will remain a central issue in the upcoming midterm elections.