California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra has sharply criticized President Donald Trump over remarks suggesting that the destruction of Los Angeles or San Diego would be a small price to pay in his conflict with Iran.
In a social media statement, the Democrat emphasized that more than 13 million residents live across the two Southern California counties and that their lives are not subject to minimization or political mockery.
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“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.,” Becerra stated.
Becerra joined California Governor Gavin Newsom in condemning the president’s rhetoric. Newsom characterized the remarks as dangerous and unhinged, accusing the administration of advocating for an attack on millions of citizens.
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“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 remarked.
The mayors of both cities, Karen Bass of Los Angeles and Todd Gloria of San Diego, also issued condemnations, arguing that a president’s primary responsibility is to protect the country and maintaining that local residents are neither expendable nor a small price to pay.
