The White House pushed back Tuesday against California Democrats who accused President Donald Trump of inviting an attack on their cities, saying his remarks described the threat the Iran war was meant to prevent.

White House communications director Steven Cheung said Trump was explaining why a nuclear-armed Iran would endanger Americans after comments at a Nebraska campaign rally sparked criticism from Gov. Gavin Newsom and two California mayors.

“The media freakout over President Trump’s comments is not rooted in reality. He was clearly stating U.S. cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran hadn’t been stopped. America is safer because of the President. Iran has no nuclear, no navy, no air force, and no money,” Cheung wrote Tuesday morning.

The White House pointed Fox News to Cheung’s post when asked for comment.

Trump spoke Monday at the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds in Grand Island, where he campaigned for Republicans and touted the military campaign against Tehran.

“We’re kicking Iran’s a–, you do know that right?” Trump said.

Trump: By the way, we’re kicking Iran’s ass. You do know that, right? https://t.co/TlbjD5J7i7

— Acyn (@Acyn) October 5, 2026

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He predicted the conflict would end soon and prices would fall sharply. He also said U.S. forces had been able to “knock out” Iran’s navy, air force and leadership of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

While discussing the economic costs of the war, Trump argued that Americans were paying a “small price to pay” to keep their country and the world safe. He then raised the prospect of Iran destroying an American city, naming Los Angeles and San Diego.

California Democrats melted down over the remarks.

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