San Diego reacts to President Trump’s comments
SAN DIEGO (NBC, KYMA) - Comments made by President Donald Trump at a rally Monday night has Southern California talking as he referenced both Los Angeles and San Diego while addressing criticism over the war in Iran and its high costs.
"Surely, he understands that the city that hosted the largest concentration of naval assets in the world, would be more than a small price to pay if something were to happen to us," said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.
Mayor Gloria is among the loudest criticizing President Trump's remarks, which served as a bit of a Rorschach test.
Paula Whitsell, Chair of San Diego County's Republican Party said in a statement, "No one should believe for a single moment that he wants any American city attacked.
The president was simply speaking to his belief that confronting Iran is worth it to eliminate the threat to our country, and named two cities as an example of "what could happen if we don't"
However, an NBC affiliate in San Diego wanted to know what Veterans think.
"I just thought it was wild because, you know, at the end of the day, I don't think that we should even, that strikes on L.A. and San Diego should even be up for discussion," said Lance Gibson, a Marine Corps Veteran.
"That's a huge a huge, horrible blow to morale," said Karen Pohl, who spent 24 years on active duty in the Navy, and then 20 more years as a civil servant.
She said the comments cut deep with thousands of San Diego soldiers and sailors on the front lines of the war, with the USS Abraham Lincoln being chief among them as they are heading home this week after a record deployment.
"I mean, why would you want to get up in the morning? You're far away from your family. You may be under fire. And and to have the person sent you there talk about you like that. It's just not. It's not acceptable," Pohl expressed.
"They're our neighbors and friends who are fighting, and they're our neighbors and friends who have to hear what Donald Trump says about us," said Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA).
The president made those comments at a campaign rally during a heated race for control of Congress.
Rep. Jacobs and Gloria both said they've since heard concerns about San Diego's safety.
"I have spoken with the FBI and with military leadership. There is no increased threat to San Diego. You are safe," Jacobs remarked.
The USS Lincoln is scheduled to return to San Diego Thursday, with Gloria saying he thinks the best thing San Diegans can do right now is greet those sailors and thank them for their service.
