California leaders hit back after Trump says Iran can 'take out' LA and San Diego

CNN and CBS News report that California officials have sharply rebuked President Donald Trump after a Monday night campaign rally in which he seemed to say Iran could strike Los Angeles and San Diego. Speaking in Grand Island, Nebraska, ahead of the midterm elections, Trump called such an outcome a small price for global and national safety. CBS News says the crowd cheered and that it was unclear what he meant. CNN says it asked the White House to explain, according to CBS News · CNN.

Gov. Gavin Newsom called Trump deranged and dangerous. CBS News adds that Newsom pointed to the earlier deployment of the National Guard and Marines to California. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said a president's job is to protect the country, and CNN adds she warned the remarks could compromise safety. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, also quoted by CNN, rejected the idea that his city could be written off as collateral damage. CNN also notes that Republican congressional candidate Jim Desmond, running in California's 48th District, said he vehemently disagreed.

Trump also said the war would end very soon. CNN notes it has now lasted seven months, despite his early forecast of a few weeks.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CBS News · CNN, CBS News and CNN’s reporting. Read the full story at CBS News · CNN → Also at CBS News → Also at CNN →