California Governor Newsom stated on October 6: "Whether or not this rhetoric constitutes treason, it is profoundly dangerous—placing two of America’s largest metropolitan areas and a critical naval hub directly in the crosshairs. I have directed the state’s Threat Assessment Center to closely monitor the situation, ensuring that foreign actors do not interpret the president’s statements as a green light to target California."
Note: On Monday, President Trump made remarks during a campaign rally suggesting Iran could potentially "destroy" Los Angeles and San Diego. While the comment may have been intended as jest, it triggered immediate and strong reactions from California political figures. Trump said: "Keep in mind, the losses from an Iran war are man-made, and the cost, though significant, is negligible. To protect global security and our nation’s safety, such sacrifices are minimal. If they can destroy a city, let them destroy Los Angeles; let them destroy San Diego. It’s not a high price to pay."
Commentary: In a campaign setting, Trump framed the potential destruction of Los Angeles and San Diego as a manageable cost within a hypothetical scenario involving war with Iran. Whether spoken in jest or not, the statement carries weight amid ongoing conflict and an approaching midterm election. It serves as a form of public messaging aimed at normalizing the idea of wartime sacrifice, preparing the electorate for potential costs of prolonged military engagement. At the same time, it functions as a strategic appeal to voters, seeking electoral validation for a foreign policy approach characterized by risk-taking. As governor of a Democratic-led major state, Newsom responded swiftly and forcefully—not only out of concern for the safety of millions of residents, but also due to the real threat posed by misinterpretation of presidential rhetoric by foreign entities. His directive to enhance situational monitoring reflects both pragmatic preparedness and a broader partisan effort to challenge what he characterizes as reckless militarism under Republican leadership.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878351977936970/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.