Trump jokes about letting Iran bomb Los Angeles and San Diego

At a campaign rally in Nebraska, President Donald Trump suggested letting Iran “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego, implying that allowing such an attack would be a small price to pay for national security. The president's comments came amidst discussions about high gas prices linked to tensions with Iran. Both cities have significant military installations, including Naval Base San Diego and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in San Diego, making them crucial defense hubs. Gavin Newsom, California’s governor, strongly condemned Trump's remarks as "deranged and dangerous," emphasizing that the role of a president is to protect American lives rather than encourage attacks on cities. Mayors of both Los Angeles and San Diego also criticized the suggestion, underscoring their importance to national security beyond being just major population centers.