Northern California Lawmakers Denounce Trump's Iran War Threats

Lawmakers call for Trump's removal after he warns of wiping out "a whole civilization" in Iran.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:35pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fractured, abstract painting in shades of blue, grey, and red, depicting a crumbling government building or political symbol, conveying a sense of political instability and crisis.As tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran, Northern California lawmakers are calling for the removal of President Trump, whose inflammatory rhetoric has raised fears of a wider conflict.San Francisco Today

Several Northern California lawmakers, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have denounced President Trump's latest threats against Iran on social media. Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to other terms, warning that "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again." In response, Pelosi and other Democrats are now calling for Trump's removal from office using the 25th Amendment.

Why it matters

The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, fueled by Trump's inflammatory rhetoric, have raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict in the region. Northern California lawmakers are among those leading the charge to remove Trump from power, arguing that his threats against Iran pose a grave risk to global stability and peace.

The details

Ahead of a Tuesday 8 p.m. ET deadline, Trump announced a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran. However, earlier in the day, he issued an ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to other terms, warning that "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again." In response, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said such threats should prompt Congress to remove Trump from the presidency using Section 4 of the 25th Amendment.

  • On April 7, 2026, Trump issued the ultimatum to Iran.
  • The deadline for Iran to comply with Trump's demands was set for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

The players

Nancy Pelosi

The former House Speaker from San Francisco, who is now calling for Trump's removal from office using the 25th Amendment.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Congressman from Fremont, California, who reiterated the call for Trump's removal on social media.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who issued the ultimatum and threats against Iran.

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What they’re saying

“A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“Such threats should prompt Congress to remove Trump from the presidency using Section 4 of the 25th Amendment.”

— Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker Emerita

What’s next

Congress is expected to consider invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump from office in the coming days, following his latest threats against Iran.

The takeaway

The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, fueled by President Trump's inflammatory rhetoric, have prompted a strong backlash from Northern California lawmakers who are now calling for his removal from office. This highlights the growing concerns about the potential for a wider conflict in the region and the need for more measured and diplomatic leadership.