Donald Trump suggested Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego, drawing sharp rebukes from California officials who called the comments “reckless” and “deranged.” At a rally in Nebraska on Monday, the US president said high prices due to the war with Iran were a “small price to pay for keeping the world safe – keeping our country safe.” He added: “They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.”
California Officials Respond
Gavin Newsom, the governor of California and a Democrat who has repeatedly clashed with Trump, said from his press office account: “Let’s be clear: the president is advocating for an attack on 10+ million US residents in two of America’s largest cities. This is not normal … He is deranged and dangerous.”
Record-Low Approval Rating
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Trump’s approval rating at a record low of 32%, with the president losing support among independent voters and Latinos who had backed him in 2024. The dip comes before the crucial midterm elections in November that will determine control of Congress.
Taxpayer-Funded Ads
After repeated criticism, Trump said on Monday he would pay for the hitherto taxpayer-funded ads from Maga Inc, his political war chest. He provided no details on reimbursing taxpayers for ads that had already aired, nor how he would go about having his political organization pay for such advertising.
