Tom Cochran, CEO of the Conference, labeled the remarks unacceptable regardless of the context or intent. He emphasized that the President’s rhetoric trivialized the safety of millions of residents and thousands of military families stationed in San Diego. The organization is now pressing elected officials from both parties to publicly denounce the statement and reaffirm their commitment to the defense of all American communities. Mayors carry the daily burden of local public safety, and Cochran noted that the Commander in Chief’s dismissal of that responsibility undermines the fundamental nonpartisan nature of national security.