Trump suggests allowing Iran to ‘take out’ Los Angeles and San Diego

President Trump made a controversial suggestion during a campaign rally in Nebraska, stating that Iran should be allowed to attack Los Angeles and San Diego during a military conflict. Newsom, the governor of California, condemned Trump's remarks, labeling him as "deranged and dangerous." Newsom emphasized the importance of protecting the country, rather than threatening it and encouraging attacks on American lives.

The second-most populous city in the United States, Los Angeles, is not just a hub for entertainment, but also plays a crucial role in national security. It is home to the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command Headquarters, as well as aerospace contractors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. Additionally, the city houses federally funded research centers such as the RAND Corporation.

San Diego, the nation's eighth-largest city, is also a significant military installation. It is home to Naval Base San Diego, the homeport of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, which is the main training ground for Navy SEALs on the West Coast, and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, the primary training ground for Navy SEALs on the West Coast. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria emphasized that San Diego is not collateral damage and vowed, "We are not expendable. And we are never a small price to pay."