Milana Vayntrub has called out Donald Trump over his remarks about Los Angeles and San Diego, reminding her followers that 'it was Trump that called for the destruction' of the two California cities, rather than 'any Muslim'. The actor also referred to the US president as 'a white, billionaire, rapist, pedophile' in a sharply worded response that has drawn attention on social media.
After calling out Donald Trump, Vayntrub has drawn attention online, with a post about the actor's response appearing in the popculturechat subreddit. The discussion follows a wave of criticism directed at the US president after he appeared to suggest that Iran could 'take out' the two California cities while defending the ongoing conflict with Tehran.
His comments, made during a rally in Nebraska on 5 October, prompted concern among political leaders and renewed debate about his rhetoric on national security.
Trump's Remarks Ignite Backlash
Trump made the comments while discussing the war with Iran and rising petrol prices. He argued that the economic consequences of the conflict were a relatively small sacrifice compared with the potential danger of allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons.
Trump on Iran: "You wanna see trauma? I said it the other day. Let them hit a missile into San Diego or Los Angeles." https://t.co/vjskCHd5uF
— NewsWire (@NewsWire_US) October 8, 2026
'It's a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe,' Trump said before adding, 'They could take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.' The remarks drew an audible response from the crowd, with attendees cheering as he mentioned the two cities.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was among those who condemned the comments. In a post on X, he described Trump as 'deranged and dangerous' and criticised the president for appearing to suggest that a foreign adversary could attack major American cities.
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.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 6, 2026
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also expressed concern, arguing that the president's role was to protect the country rather than make statements that could be interpreted as encouraging attacks.
The President of the United States suggested that a foreign government attack Los Angeles. His statements against our city are dangerous and could potentially compromise our safety.The role of a president is to protect the country, not to actively threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives.In the face of irresponsible threats, as Angelenos, we know how to stand together and protect our city.
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) October 6, 2026
Seriously, again?How many times do we have to say it? San Diego is not a prop. San Diego is not a target. San Diego is not your applause line.We are a proud military city full of real people.Stop using us in your reckless war talk.
— San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria (@MayorToddGloria) October 8, 2026
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria similarly rejected the suggestion that his city should be treated as expendable. The controversy quickly extended beyond political circles, attracting attention from commentators and public figures.
Milana Vayntrub's Response Draws Online Attention
Vayntrub, known for playing Lily Adams in AT&T advertising campaigns and portraying Squirrel Girl in Marvel projects, became part of the online conversation after her response to Trump's remarks was highlighted in a Reddit post.
Vayntrub reminds everyone that 'it was Trump that called for the destruction' of Los Angeles and San Diego, and proceeds to say that its 'not any Muslim', mentioning Mamdani and El-Sayed. She even called the US president, 'A white, billionaire, rapist, pedophile', making the Instagram Story more striking.
The thread attracted supportive reactions from Reddit users, with commenters praising the actor for speaking out. Some responses referenced her previous work as Squirrel Girl, the Marvel character she voiced in the animated series Marvel Rising.
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by u/NatashaRomanova7 from discussion
in popculturechat
Vayntrub has previously been recognised for her acting and advocacy work, including her efforts to raise awareness about the refugee crisis. Her public profile has also made her a familiar figure among television viewers and online audiences.
White House Defends Trump's Comments
The White House pushed back against the criticism, maintaining that Trump's remarks had been taken out of context. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said the president was explaining that American cities would have faced a threat if Iran had not been prevented from developing nuclear weapons.
FactCheck.org concluded that, in context, Trump's remarks did not appear to advocate an attack on US cities. The surrounding comments suggested he was comparing higher petrol prices with the potential consequences of a nuclear-armed Iran. The publication concluded that the remarks did not appear to advocate an attack on American cities when considered in context.
Trump returned to the subject at a rally in San Antonio, Texas, on 7 October. He reiterated the possibility of Iranian attacks on Los Angeles and San Diego but insisted that his administration would prevent such a scenario. The explanation has not ended the debate over his choice of words, particularly among California officials who argue that statements involving potential attacks on American communities require greater care.
Vayntrub's response adds another entertainment-industry voice to the conversation surrounding Trump's remarks. As the Reddit discussion shows, the controversy has moved beyond political reporting and into online pop culture conversations, where celebrities' reactions can become part of a wider public debate.
