White House defends Trump comment to let Iran 'take out' LA and San Diego

What happened: Trump said at a Nebraska rally that Iran could "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego. California leaders condemned the remark, and the White House said he meant US cities would be threatened if Iran had not been stopped. Key numbers: San Diego is 17 miles (27km) from the Mexico border and the eighth largest US city. Why it matters: Governor Newsom directed California's State Threat Assessment Center to monitor whether foreign actors interpret the remarks as an invitation to target the state. The White House rejected the criticism as a "media freakout" not rooted in reality.

Trump said at a Nebraska rally that Iran could "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego. California leaders condemned the remark, and the White House said he meant US cities would be threatened if Iran had not been stopped.

Governor Newsom directed California's State Threat Assessment Center to monitor whether foreign actors interpret the remarks as an invitation to target the state. The White House rejected the criticism as a "media freakout" not rooted in reality.