California leaders criticize Trump over comments about Los Angeles and San Diego

During a campaign rally in Nebraska on Monday night, former President Donald Trump suggested allowing Iran to take out Los Angeles and San Diego if the country developed a nuclear weapon. CBS News and The Guardian both reported that Trump stated letting Iran take out a city would be a small price to pay for keeping the United States safe. Al Jazeera and Metro reported that Trump joked about the situation during his speech to attendees who cheered his remarks. [1][2][3][8]

California Governor Gavin Newsom swiftly criticized the statements made at the rally. According to CBS News and The Guardian, Newsom called the comments deranged and dangerous. CBS News reported that other California officials and Democratic lawmakers also denounced the remarks following the event. [1][2][3]

The cities mentioned in the speech are major population centers in California. San Diego is located on the Pacific coast of Southern California next to the Mexican border and is the second most populous city in the state, with over 1.4 million residents. [10]

The Independent and Metro reported that the comments caused widespread outrage among state leaders. The Guardian reported that political correspondents are tracking how the ongoing international developments and rhetoric surrounding Iran will impact voters ahead of the upcoming United States midterm elections. [2][4][7][8]