White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended President Donald Trump on October 6, 2026, stating that Trump was clearly explaining that U.S. cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran had not been stopped

From the articleCalifornians blast Trump remark that Iran could 'take out' Los Angeles, San Diego | ReutersAlso in Trump suggests Iran could 'take out' Los Angeles and San Diego if it develops nuclear weapons, Trump draws backlash after he suggests Iran could ‘take out’ Los Angeles or San Diego | CNN Politics, California officials condemn Trump for saying Iran could ‘take out’ Los Angeles or San Diego