First Thing: ‘deranged’ and ‘dangerous’ Trump calls for Iran to strike US cities amid historic ratings low

California’s leaders attack president after he suggests Iran could ‘take out’ Los Angeles or San Diego. Plus an auction of some of the most famous props in movie history Good morning. Donald Trump has suggested Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego , in comments described as “reckless” and “deranged” by California officials.

At a rally in Nebraska on Monday, the crowd applauded when the US president said high prices owing to the war with Iran were a “small price to pay for keeping the world safe – keeping our country safe”. He added: “They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.”

Gavin Newsom, the governor of California and a Democrat who has repeatedly clashed with Trump during his two terms, said from his press office account: “Let’s be clear: the president is advocating for an attack on 10+ million US residents in two of America’s largest cities. This is not normal … He is deranged and dangerous.” What is happening with Trump’s approval rating?

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Trump’s approval rating at a record low of 32% and the president losing support among independent voters and Latinos, who had backed him in 2024. The dip comes before the crucial midterm elections in November that will determine control of Congress. What is the latest with taxpayer-funded Trump ads? After repeated criticism, Trump said on Monday he would pay for the hitherto taxpayer-funded ads from Maga Inc, his political war chest. He provided no...

Read the original report at The Guardian.