White House defends Trump’s remarks about Iran and California cities
The White House defended President Donald Trump after remarks at a Nebraska rally about Iran potentially “taking out” Los Angeles and San Diego drew criticism from Democratic officials and at least one Republican candidate.
While arguing that higher fuel and other prices linked to the Iran war were “a small price to pay for keeping the world safe” and the United States safe, Trump said: “They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.” He then repeated that the cost was small and predicted the conflict would end soon.
The wording prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to call Trump “deranged and dangerous.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said a president’s role was to protect the country, “not to actively threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives.” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said his city was “not collateral damage” or expendable. Jim …