San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is demanding an apology and retraction from President Donald Trump following remarks in which the president characterized the Southern California city as expendable in a potential conflict with a foreign adversary.
According to Gloria's statement released Tuesday, Trump described San Diego as a "small price to pay" and suggested it could be "taken out" by a hostile nation. The mayor condemned the comments as a cavalier dismissal of nearly 1.4 million residents who live in the city.
In his response, Gloria emphasized San Diego's critical role in national defense, noting that the region hosts one of the world's largest concentrations of military resources and serves as a key strategic location for Pacific security operations. The mayor highlighted the contributions of local military personnel, shipbuilders, and researchers whose work supports defense and innovation nationwide.
Gloria stated that protecting all Americans is the president's primary duty, arguing that no city should be treated as disposable based on political considerations or location. He called on Trump to acknowledge the value of San Diego residents' lives and to respect the service of military families stationed in the area.
The mayor's statement asserted that presidential responsibility extends to every American community without exception, emphasizing that a commander in chief must prioritize the safety of all citizens equally.