President Donald Trump faced backlash after defending rising gas prices while discussing the Iran war at a rally in Nebraska on October 5, 29 days before the midterm elections. He then turned to Los Angeles and San Diego, saying, “let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego,” while arguing that higher fuel costs were a small price to pay amid the conflict.
“With the war, it’s just artificial. It’s a little bit high. It’s a small price to pay … let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay,” Trump said.
As reported by Hindustan Times, Trump’s remarks quickly drew backlash. Trump did not say who “them” referred to. Some critics online assumed he meant Iran, but that was their interpretation.
Trump’s California Comments Face Pushback
Gas prices have come up often in his speeches lately. He has used blunt language on the topic before, including when he told Americans to absorb the cost of fuel without much complaint.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was among the first to respond. The Democrat has often clashed with the president, including over troops in his state. “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,” Newsom said.
Independent journalist Jim Acosta also commented on the crowd’s reaction on X. “The crowd starts to applaud as Trump fantasizes about LA and San Diego being wiped out by a nuclear attack. WTF. This is not normal.” Acosta was describing the moment in his own words. Trump’s quoted remarks do not mention a nuclear attack.
Another critic on X wrote, “A U.S. President says ‘let Iran take out Los Angeles and San Diego.’ How much farther will he fall?” Another post read, “If you live in Southern California leave immediately. President Trump says Iran taking out Los Angeles and San Diego is a small price to pay.”
Trump also used the rally to pitch his plans for rural voters. He pledged to expand access to tax-exempt diesel fuel. The proposal targets farmers and truckers dealing with high fuel prices, while inflation has also weighed on the rural economy. He has also hinted that relief at the pump could take until after the midterms.
He opened the speech with a jab at Democrats. “With your support, just 29 days from now, Nebraska is going to defeat the radical-left Dumb-o-crats once again,” Trump said.
Organizers reportedly had to bring in extra chairs for the crowd. A Reuters/Ipsos survey released Monday put his approval rating at 32%, tying the lowest reading of his political career.
The same poll found registered voters favor Democrats over Republicans 44% to 37% in the midterms race. Among independents, Democrats led 37% to 21%, and 28% were undecided.
The survey also suggested Republicans could face competitive races in several states Trump won by double digits in 2024, including Nebraska. He carried the state by more than 20 percentage points, yet public polling shows a competitive race between Republican Senator Pete Ricketts and independent Dan Osborn.
Published: Oct 6, 2026 12:56 pm