The White House on Tuesday defended a comment by President Trump in which he suggested Iran could "take out" Los Angeles or San Diego, according to BBC reporting. The remarks drew a swift response from California officials and at least one Republican critic.
California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered threat monitoring after the president's comments, Politico reported. Newsom also called for the 25th Amendment to be invoked, according to The Hill. The 25th Amendment provides a process for removing a president who is unable to discharge the duties of the office.
The reaction was not limited to Democrats. The Guardian reported that a Republican also rebuked Trump for the suggestion that Iran could strike the two California cities. The San Diego Union-Tribune, in its own coverage, described the comment as appalling and indefensible.
The BBC headline indicates the White House publicly stood by the president's remark rather than walking it back. The episode has drawn attention from state officials in California, where both named cities are located, and from members of Trump's own party.
What to watch next: whether the White House adjusts its position, and how California's threat monitoring proceeds.
