# US political controversy over Trump's Iran remarks > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-political-controversy-over-trumps-iran-remarks > Updated: 2026-10-08T01:58:39.000Z. Sources: 242. Developments: 2. During campaign rallies in Nebraska and Texas, President Donald Trump drew intense criticism for suggesting that potential Iranian missile strikes on Los Angeles and San Diego would be a ‘small price to pay’ to manage global security and rising fuel prices. While describing such attacks as a ‘trauma’ or ‘horror show,’ the President framed the discussion around the necessity of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities to avoid national ‘free fall.’ California officials responded with sharp condemnation. Governor Gavin Newsom labeled the President ‘deranged and dangerous,’ suggesting the invocation of the 25th Amendment and describing the comments as ‘disgusting and disqualifying.’ Local leaders, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, rejected the notion that their cities are expendable or ‘collateral damage.’ Even some Republican figures, such as San Diego congressional candidate Jim Desmond, criticized the remarks, asserting that the President’s primary responsibility is to protect the American people. The White House has dismissed the backlash, with communications officials characterizing the reaction as a ‘media freakout’ or ‘hoax.’ The President has since attempted to clarify his statements via social media and campaign speeches, arguing that his comments were intended as a comparison between temporary fuel price increases and the catastrophic cost of an Iranian attack. The administration maintains that the remarks were misinterpreted and that it remains committed to protecting U.S. cities. ## Claims - Donald Trump suggested during a rally that Iran could strike Los Angeles or San Diego as part of a broader conflict. (corroborated by 16 sources) - California Governor Gavin Newsom called the president deranged and suggested invoking the 25th Amendment. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The White House dismissed the controversy, labeling the interpretation of the remarks a hoax. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Trump clarified that his remarks were a comparison between temporary gas price increases and the cost of an Iranian attack. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Trump stated his administration would prevent such attacks from occurring. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the president's comments as irresponsible and dangerous. (corroborated by 4 sources) - San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria stated that his city is not collateral damage. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Republican candidate Jim Desmond criticized Trump, stating the Commander in Chief must protect all Americans. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-08: Trump clarifies remarks on potential Iranian attacks on Los Angeles and San Diego Donald Trump sparked backlash after suggesting Los Angeles and San Diego being targeted by Iran would be a 'small price to pay' for security, later claiming he was comparing the cost to rising gas prices. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-defends-administrations-ability-to-protect-us-cities-from-iran ### 2026-10-05: Trump suggests Los Angeles and San Diego destruction would be ‘small price’ for security Donald Trump drew condemnation from California leaders after suggesting during a Nebraska rally that the destruction of Los Angeles or San Diego would be a ‘small price to pay’ for global security. 234 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-suggests-iran-could-take-out-los-angeles-and-san-diego --- Cite as: US political controversy over Trump's Iran remarks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-political-controversy-over-trumps-iran-remarks