Trump's Iran Comments Spark Outrage in LA and San Diego

Former President Donald Trump sparked widespread condemnation from California officials after suggesting Iran could "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego during a recent rally in Nebraska. Trump framed such an event as a "small price to pay" for maintaining global safety amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran, connecting it to fluctuating gas prices and an imminent end to the war. His remarks, made on Monday, October 5, were met with both cheers from the rally crowd and immediate backlash from state leaders.

California Governor Gavin Newsom denounced Trump's comments as "deranged and dangerous," asserting that the president was advocating for an attack on millions of American residents. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass labeled the statements as "dangerous" and potentially compromising to the city's safety, while San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria insisted his city was "not collateral damage" and should be excluded from "reckless war talk". In response to the provocative remarks, Governor Newsom directed the State Threat Assessment Center to actively monitor for any potential threats, with the California Office of Emergency Services also tracking cyber concerns.

A White House spokesperson, Steven Cheung, later clarified Trump's comments, stating the former president was indicating that U.S. cities would have faced threats if a nuclear Iran had not been contained. However, this explanation did not quell the outrage from California leaders and residents, who expressed horror and disbelief at the suggestion.