Trump Establishes Threatening Cities As National Security Policy
President Donald Trump established a new national security doctrine Wednesday under which American cities become safer whenever he publicly imagines their destruction and later announces that he may prevent it. The policy followed Trump’s remarks at a Nebraska rally, where he defended higher gasoline prices and his Iran policy by declaring, “Let them take out Los Angeles” and “Let them take out San Diego.” After California officials objected to being volunteered for catastrophe, Trump told a Texas crowd that he was “not going to let that happen,” completing the administration’s standard protection cycle of menace, suspense and self-congratulation.
“Nobody has protected California like me, because nobody else had the courage to name the cities that could be destroyed and then decide, very strongly, that they should not be destroyed,” Trump explained. “Other presidents just kept cities safe without announcing the alternative, which is weak and frankly terrible branding.” White House officials described the breakthrough as “preemptive reassurance,” an advanced security technique in which the president frightens millions of residents, withdraws the scenario he introduced and accepts credit for restoring the peace that existed before he spoke. Aides said the doctrine allows Trump to create new national emergencies without waiting for weather, Congress or another country.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the remarks as dangerous, apparently misunderstanding that federal protection now operates like airline insurance: The administration first describes an alarming outcome, then offers continued municipal survival as a premium upgrade. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also objected, prompting officials to note that neither mayor had formally thanked Trump for declining to rhetorically sacrifice their constituents. Other Democratic-led cities are expected to receive personalized reminders that their safety depends on the president’s mood, rally schedule and current need for applause. The notices may be printed on gas pumps beneath the higher prices Trump has characterized as a modest fee for not having one’s hometown entered into a presidential disaster fantasy. American cities are now safest when the president threatens them first.
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