Newsom Calls for 25th Amendment After Trump Imagines Iran Attacking California

Newsom Urges 25th Amendment Review After Trump Remarks on Iran Conflict Costs

California Gov. Gavin Newsom stated that President Donald Trump is “mentally ill” and called for invocation of the 25th Amendment following remarks Trump made at a rally in Nebraska on Monday. Newsom issued the statement to TIME and other outlets, writing “TIME FOR THE 25TH!” in reference to the constitutional provision governing presidential succession and removal for inability to discharge duties.

Trump’s comments occurred as he addressed voter concerns over the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict that began in February. He had initially pledged to conclude the war within weeks. At the event, Trump said the United States would remain safer once the conflict ends after the November midterms. “It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe,” he said. “They can take out a city. Let them take—let it—let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego. That’s—this is a very small price to pay.”

The White House maintained that the remarks were being taken out of context. Communications Director Steven Cheung wrote that the statements referred to threats that would have existed had Iran obtained nuclear weapons. “America is safer because of the President. Iran has no nuclear, no navy, no air force, and no money,” Cheung posted.

Newsom described the comments as “madness,” “dangerous,” and “deranged.” In an interview with journalist Jim Acosta, he said the remarks placed more than 130,000 active-duty military personnel in the San Diego area at risk and directed California’s State Threat Assessment Center to monitor for any foreign interpretation of the statements as an invitation to target the state. Newsom also characterized the remarks as potentially “treasonous.”

Democratic elected officials in California issued statements criticizing the comments. Gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra noted that 13 million residents live in Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the remarks “completely irresponsible.” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria stated that the city was “not collateral damage.” More than 40 Democratic members of Congress from California, including Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, signed a letter demanding an apology to residents of the two cities.

Republican figures offered varied responses. Navy veteran and congressional candidate Jim Desmond wrote that no American city is expendable. Rep. Kevin Kiley, running as an independent, said there is “no evidence” Iran could strike California cities but described the rhetoric as unhelpful.

Trump has used similar phrasing in prior appearances. At a rally in Mobile, Alabama, the previous week, he referred to fuel costs as “a small price” compared with the risk of adversaries obtaining nuclear weapons.

Questions about Trump’s mental fitness have been raised by critics for years. The White House has pointed to routine medical evaluations as evidence that the President remains capable of performing official duties. A recent TIME interview with Trump prompted additional commentary from observers about his speaking patterns.

Lawyer George Conway posted on X that Trump’s statements reflect specific psychological traits, describing him as a “sadistic and delusional narcissistic sociopath” lacking morality, conscience, empathy, remorse, and impulse control.

The remarks took place against the backdrop of a conflict that began in February and that Trump had said would conclude rapidly. Administration officials have argued that continued operations prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capability. Democratic critics, including Newsom, have pointed to the extended timeline and statements about civilian risk as evidence of unfitness. The White House has countered that the President’s approach has eliminated Iran’s nuclear, naval, and air capabilities along with its financial resources.

Trump has stated that the war will end after the midterms. The California congressional delegation’s letter and statements from state and local officials represent one set of responses to the Nebraska rally comments. The White House position centers on the hypothetical nature of the scenario Trump described and on prior U.S. actions against Iranian capabilities.