‘Trump’s verbal engagement with an essentially powerless Russian politician is inappropriate and unhelpful’
(AUGUST 1—WASHINGTON) In light of President Donald Trump’s announcement that he is ordering nuclear submarines to “appropriate regions” in response to new Russian nuclear threats, this time aimed at the United States, the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation is releasing the following statement on behalf of former Congressman John Tierney, Executive Director:
“President Trump’s statement that he is ordering two nuclear submarines to be sent to ‘appropriate regions’ in response to new Russian nuclear threats directed at the United States should serve as a reminder that there is no such thing as casual language about nuclear weapons and nuclear war,” Tierney said. “The movement of submarines — including the ballistic missile submarines that I assume he is referring to — is not news; submarines are constantly moving. And as one would hope Mr. Trump knows — but can never be sure — nuclear-armed submarines can likely already reach targets without any need to reposition, such is their ability to send missiles long distances.
Of major concern is nuclear rhetoric that could all too easily lead to mistake or miscalculation resulting in catastrophe. Trump’s verbal engagement with an essentially powerless Russian politician is inappropriate and unhelpful. What is needed is a steady hand, not someone who allows his anger at a personal insult to risk escalating to a dangerous situation. Trump has said before, and said again in this statement, that words matter and that the leaders of nuclear-armed states should not use language about nuclear weapons so casually. I agree and hope that his rash action today will be an end to nuclear threats from all sides.”
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CONTACT: Anna Schumann
Communications Director
aschumann@armscontrolcenter.org
