Kathrine Frich
California Governor Gavin Newsom reacted quickly.
When a leader speaks, the words carry serious weight.
Citizens expect the commander-in-chief to protect every corner of the country.
But a recent campaign speech has left voters questioning that very basic promise.
A shocking suggestion
Donald Trump faced fierce backlash this week after a campaign rally in Nebraska. The 80-year-old president was discussing the ongoing conflict with Iran and the resulting spike in fuel prices.
Addressing the crowd, Trump appeared to weigh the war against potential casualties. “Remember, with the war, it’s just artificial. It’s a little bit high, it’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe,” Trump said according to the Irish Star.
He then suggested that losing major West Coast cities would be acceptable. “They can take out a city. Let them take, let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay,” he added.
Angry reaction from critics
California Governor Gavin Newsom reacted quickly. The Democratic leader issued a scathing statement on the social media platform X. “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. He is deranged and dangerous,” Newsom wrote.
Ordinary citizens echoed that outrage online. “He should be in prison for saying that. Killing Americans….treason,” one user posted.
Others took it further. Another added, “He should have been walked out in handcuffs for treason,” while a third stated, “Treason. Any President that isn’t willing to defend each and every inch of the United States is a traitor. This is impeachable,” according to social media posts.
Health questions return
During the same event, Trump offered a confusing timeline for the conflict. He told the crowd that the war would end “soon,” before immediately backtracking. “It’s going to be over with very soon. It’s essentially almost over with and they might keep going a little longer,” he explained.
Those contradictory statements reignited worries about his fitness for office. Observers pointed to the speech as evidence of “mental decline” during his term. One user wrote, “It’s a mental decline. Just like the economy,” referencing his erratic delivery.
Medical questions have surrounded the president for months. Following public appearances with swollen ankles last year, he received a diagnosis for a chronic vein condition.
Yet, the White House rejects any outside speculation. Officials maintain that the president is in “excellent” condition, completely ignoring the public unease.
