Local and national Democratic lawmakers are condemning remarks made by President Donald Trump earlier this week that appeared to suggest Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego.
During a Republican rally in Nebraska, Trump sought to justify why the war in Iran has not ended, arguing that military action was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He then suggested that Iran could strike U.S. cities.
“They could take out a city,” he said. “Let them take — Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.”
Although it remains unclear exactly what Trump meant, several lawmakers interpreted the remarks as suggesting that attacks on the two Democratic-led cities could be an acceptable consequence of the conflict. The White House has since said Trump was referring to the threat the cities could face if Iran were allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) was among those who condemned the remarks.
“After sending the National Guard and Marines to occupy California, Donald Trump is now saying our foreign enemies should ‘take out’ Los Angeles and San Diego,” Gov. Newsom said on X. “He is deranged and dangerous.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D-CA) called the remarks “dangerous,” saying it could compromise the safety of her constituents.
“The role of a president is to protect the country, not to actively threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives,” Bass said on X.
Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) also spoke out on the president’s remarks, calling them dangerous and accusing Trump of betraying his oath of office.
“Donald Trump is unfit for office. Full stop,” Rep. Crockett said on X. “Let’s be clear: pushing for the death of the very people you swore to protect is dangerous, reckless, and a betrayal of your oath.”
Others interpreted the remark as a Constitutional violation.
“Three words. 25th AMENDMENT NOW,” Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) said on social media, referring to the constitutional amendment that allows the vice president to assume presidential powers if the president is unable to perform his duties.
