Trump brushes off reporter's query on threatening remarks about California cities

During a Nebraska rally, Donald Trump linked high oil prices to the war with Iran and suggested that the loss of Los Angeles and San Diego would be a small price for security. The comments sparked immediate backlash, with Governor Gavin Newsom labeling Trump "deranged and dangerous" on X. The following day, a female reporter asked Trump to clarify, and he responded with a swatting gesture, refusing to answer. White House officials called the media frenzy a hoax, citing a prior statement that U.S. cities would only be threatened if Iran's nuclear program were not stopped.

One outlet reporters reported multiple attempts to obtain clarification, and both Mayor Karen Bass and the White House Communications Director Stephen Cheung defended their positions. The incident has heightened tensions between the administration and California officials.