Gavin Newsom slams Donald Trump over remarks about Los Angeles strike

California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump on Monday night over remarks about Los Angeles and San Diego. The statements followed Trump’s rally speech suggesting Iran could target the two California cities during ongoing military conflict.

Trump spoke to supporters at a rally in Grand Island, Nebraska.

“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, keeping our country safe,” Trump said. “They can take out a city. Let ’em take out Los Angeles. Let ’em take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay, and it’s going to be over very soon.”

Newsom called Trump “deranged and dangerous” in a social media post. His office accused the president of advocating an attack on more than 10 million residents.

The California Republican Party declined to comment on the president’s statements. The White House did not respond to requests for comment.

Sen. Alex Padilla questioned Trump’s comments on social media. Padilla noted that at least 19 servicemembers have died in the conflict, including Noah Tietjens of Nebraska.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the comments could compromise city safety. She stated the presidential role requires protecting the country rather than encouraging attacks on American lives.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria told Trump to stop the rhetoric. Gloria stated the city is never expendable.

San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond said he vehemently disagreed with the president’s statements. Desmond is a Republican running to succeed Rep. Darrell Issa in California’s 48th Congressional District.

“As a Navy veteran, I served to protect Americans, not write off American cities as an acceptable price of war,” Desmond said. “Our job is to keep Americans safe, stand up to our enemies, and make sure a threat like that never becomes reality. No American city is expendable, and no American family should ever be treated as collateral damage.”

Rep. Kevin Kiley is running for reelection as an independent in California’s 6th Congressional District. He told reporters there is no evidence Iran could strike a California city.

Elected officials often issue public statements to respond to federal foreign policy announcements. Local leaders frequently communicate safety assessments directly to city residents during national security discussions.

Kiley added that Congress must act. He said lawmakers must help end the conflict and ensure the foreign nuclear program does not resume.