The White House rejected criticism of President Trump after he told a Nebraska campaign rally that Iran can destroy cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego. He described fighting Iran as a temporary elevated expense that confirms previous efforts and protects the country and world while concluding shortly. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the remarks following National Guard and Marine deployments to the state and instructed the State Threat Assessment Center to watch for foreign parties interpreting them as an invitation to target California. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said implying a foreign attack on the city risks safety and that presidents should protect rather than encourage harm to Americans.

White House communications director Steven Cheung and the campaign rapid response team called media claims of an attack invitation unfounded given the focus on denying Iran nuclear weapons that could destroy Los Angeles or San Diego.