President Donald Trump took to the stage in San Antonio on Wednesday to explain his earlier comments about Iran potentially striking Los Angeles and San Diego, insisting the U.S. would stop such an attack.
Trump’s remarks, made during a rally aimed at energizing Texas Republicans ahead of the midterms, had already sparked backlash in California where officials accused him of endangering the city’s safety.
Governor Gavin Newsom labeled Trump’s statements as “deranged and dangerous,” while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned the remarks could undermine the city’s security and said she would seek congressional scrutiny.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung clarified that Trump was referring to a hypothetical scenario if Iran acquired nuclear weapons, not a current threat, and that the administration would take steps to reassure allies.
The rally also saw Trump campaign for Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Senate bid against Democrat James Talarico, with the former MLB pitcher Roger Clemens receiving a nod for the Presidential Medal of Freedom amid protests that interrupted his nearly two‑hour speech.
With the mayor’s pledge to pursue a congressional investigation, the next week will likely see testimony from U.S. officials to Congress to address the safety implications of Trump’s remarks.