Trump suggests Iran attack California

At a Nebraska rally Monday, President Trump said letting Iran attack Los Angeles or San Diego would be a small price to pay for keeping America safe during the ongoing war.

“Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego. That's a very small price to pay.”

Newsom calls for 25th Amendment

California Gov. Gavin Newsom told TIME and other outlets that Trump is mentally ill and called for the 25th Amendment, which establishes procedures for replacing a President unable to perform their duties.

“Donald Trump is mentally ill. TIME FOR THE 25TH!”

Newsom warns of military and security risks

Speaking to journalist Jim Acosta, Newsom argued the comment puts over one hundred thirty thousand active duty military personnel stationed in San Diego at risk and directed California's State Threat Assessment Center to monitor the…

“Don't think for a second our adversaries aren't listening to that.”

Newsom calls remarks potentially treasonous

Newsom claimed Trump's remark could be treasonous and posted that the President's statements make one of the U.S.'s largest naval hubs a potential target for foreign actors.

White House defends Trump's comments

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung posted that Trump was clearly stating U.S. cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran hadn't been stopped, and that America is safer because of the President.

“The media freakout over President Trump's comments is not rooted in reality.”

California Democrats condemn Trump

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria all rebuked Trump's remark as irresponsible and dangerous to their cities and residents.

“Their lives are not a 'small price to pay' or a punchline for Donald Trump.”

Congress members demand apology

More than forty Democratic members of U.S. Congress representing California, including Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, signed a statement demanding that Trump apologize to more than sixteen million Americans living in the cities.

Some Republicans also criticize Trump

Jim Desmond, a Republican House candidate, said no American city is expendable. Rep. Kevin Kiley, running as an independent, said such rhetoric is unhelpful, though there is no evidence Iran could strike a California city.

“No American city is expendable, and no American family should ever be treated as collateral damage.”

Critics cite pattern of incoherence

Observers say Trump's comment signals increasing incoherence, adding to long standing questions about his mental acuity. A Slate writer noted his recent TIME interview showed moments of confusion and paranoia about his psychological well being.

Trump's fitness remains contested

Critics including lawyer George Conway have long questioned Trump's mental and cognitive health. His Administration argues the President remains fit to carry out presidential duties, citing regular checkups.