Story perspectives

Trump Faces Backlash Over Claims Iran Could Hit L.A., San Diego

By Drooid · Oct 10, 2026, 4:49 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Oct. 5 in Nebraska that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego.
Democrats, California officials and Republicans condemned the remarks as endangering civilians and demanded accountability.
Governor Gavin Newsom called the comments deranged and dangerous.
Forty-three California members of Congress urged Trump to apologize.
Communications director Steven Cheung said Trump was merely noting cities would be threatened if Iran got a nuclear weapon.

History

Historical Context

The Iran hostage crisis began on 4 November 1979 when Muslim student militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding 66 Americans—52 for 444 days—until 20 January 1981. The episode shattered U.S.–Iran diplomatic ties, spurred sanctions, and cemented anti-American rhetoric championed by Ayatollah Khomeini. Donald Trump’s October 5 threat to “take out” Los Angeles echoes that same confrontational language, prompting California lawmakers to demand diplomatic restraint.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Oct. 5 in Nebraska that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego.
Democrats, California officials and Republicans condemned the remarks as endangering civilians and demanded accountability.
Governor Gavin Newsom called the comments deranged and dangerous.
Forty-three California members of Congress urged Trump to apologize.
Communications director Steven Cheung said Trump was merely noting cities would be threatened if Iran got a nuclear weapon.

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