Trump Suggests Iran Could Attack US Cities

Donald Trump suggested that Iran could "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego during a rally in Nebraska on Monday. These remarks were met with strong condemnation from California officials, who described the comments as "reckless," "deranged," and "dangerous." Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the president was advocating for an attack on over 10 million US residents in two of America's largest cities, emphasizing that such statements are "not normal." The president's comments come amidst ongoing tensions related to the war with Iran, where he previously stated that high prices were a "small price to pay for keeping the world safe – keeping our country safe."

Separately, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to a historic low of 32%. This decline in support is particularly notable among independent voters and Latino demographics, groups that had previously backed him in the 2024 election cycle. This dip in approval precedes the critical midterm elections scheduled for November, which will determine the balance of power in Congress. The poll's findings suggest a potential shift in voter sentiment ahead of these significant elections.

In response to ongoing criticism regarding taxpayer-funded advertisements, Trump announced on Monday that he would personally finance previously taxpayer-funded campaigns. The specifics of this shift in funding for Super PAC ads were not detailed, but the announcement follows repeated public scrutiny of the allocation of public funds for political advertising. The context for this decision appears to be a response to criticism concerning the use of taxpayer money for political messaging, a practice that has drawn considerable attention and debate.

The article also briefly mentions an upcoming auction featuring iconic props from movie history. While not directly related to the political commentary, this detail highlights a separate cultural event. The auction is set to offer some of the most recognizable items from famous films, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts of cinematic memorabilia. This juxtaposition of political discourse and cultural events underscores the diverse range of news covered in the "First Thing" briefing.