Newsom Slams Trump's Iran Comments as 'Deranged and Dangerous'

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned former President Donald Trump's recent remarks suggesting Iran could attack Los Angeles and San Diego if it obtained nuclear weapons, labeling the comments as "deranged and dangerous."

During a rally in Nebraska, Trump stated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons was worth the current rise in gas prices, adding, "They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego."

Newsom interpreted these statements as Trump giving Iran permission to attack major U.S. cities. "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," Newsom posted on X. "He is deranged and dangerous."

Newsom's press office further stated on X, "The President is advocating for an attack on 10+ million U.S. residents in two of America’s largest cities. This is not normal. None of this is."

White House communications director Steven Cheung responded to the criticism on X, asserting that the media's reaction was not based in reality. "He was clearly stating U.S. cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran hadn’t been stopped," Cheung said. "America is safer because of the President. Iran has no nuclear, no navy, no air force, and no money."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also criticized Trump's remarks, calling them "dangerous." She stated, "The role of a president is to protect the country, not to actively threaten it and encourage attacks on American lives."

Xavier Becerra, California's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, echoed these sentiments, noting on X that "Thirteen million Californians call LA and San Diego counties home. Their lives are not a ‘small price to pay’ or a punchline for Donald Trump."

Trump has a history of contentious exchanges with California Democratic officials. Previously, he criticized Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom regarding wildfire recovery efforts. He has also frequently referred to Newsom as "Newscum."

Trump has been actively campaigning for the upcoming midterm elections. He expressed confidence on Truth Social about potential Republican victories, anticipating a "Midterm Surprise."