Trump sparks backlash after remark on Iran and California cities

President Donald Trump has sparked widespread political backlash after suggesting Iran could take out Los Angeles and San Diego, according to the Guardian, CBS News and The Hill. Trump made the comments during a political campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, while defending his administration's military operations against Iran, The Hill reported. [1][2][4]

California Governor Gavin Newsom called the president deranged and dangerous following the remarks, according to reports from The Hill, ABC News Australia and the BBC. Residents in Los Angeles and San Diego expressed dismay over the comments, with locals in San Diego noting the city's significant concentration of naval bases, the Guardian reported. [1][4][6][7]

The White House has defended the president's statements, according to reports from CBS News and the BBC. Officials stated that Trump was not inviting attacks but was instead highlighting the prospective dangers of a nuclear-armed Iran, the BBC reported. [2][7][8]

San Diego is the second-most populous city in California and has a long history with the United States Navy, with U.S. Navy installations expanding significantly during World War II. As FTMQ News reported earlier, California leaders and local politicians quickly pushed back against the rally remarks. [10][13][14]