Amidst the ongoing tensions with Iran, former CIA officer Larry Johnson has made a significant claim regarding a Situation Room meeting at the White House. According to Johnson, Donald Trump attempted to access nuclear codes during the session, but was intercepted by General Dan Kane. This led to a standoff in the Situation Room, resulting in Trump being asked to leave. The White House has not officially confirmed these allegations.
The Situation Room Standoff and Media Reports
The incident reportedly occurred when two US Air Force personnel were trapped in Iran, and the administration was looking to exert pressure on the Iranian government. It's suggested that Trump sought information on nuclear codes in this context. However, no senior officials present in the meeting have corroborated this specific detail.
A report by the Wall Street Journal two days ago also touched upon this Situation Room meeting. The report claimed that Trump appeared distressed and anxious during the proceedings, leading to his removal from the room. While the report noted that he was provided with limited information, it made no mention of a request for nuclear codes.
Who Controls the Nuclear Arsenal in the US?
In a 2024 report submitted to the US Congress, the Pentagon clarified that the President, as the Commander-in-Chief, holds the ultimate authority to make the final decision on nuclear strikes. This authority is rooted in a 1948 law, the details of which remain highly classified. The operational responsibility for nuclear weapons lies with the National Military Command Center (NMCC).
The 'Nuclear Football' and Strike Protocols
Nuclear codes are housed in a briefcase known as the 'Nuclear Football'. Inside, there is a card-like object referred to as the 'Biscuit', which contains the actual codes. A designated Pentagon official carries this bag and remains in close proximity to the President at all times. The bag also contains a 'Blue Book' that provides guidance on executing the codes.
The process for a nuclear strike is designed for extreme speed. Once the President issues the order, the National Military Command Center must verify the codes at least twice. The entire procedure must be completed within a 7-minute window. Former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush have publicly criticized this timeframe, arguing that such a monumental decision requires more deliberation time.
Can a Presidential Nuclear Order be Overridden?
Mark Fitzpatrick, a former non-proliferation expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, noted in a 2017 article that a President's order can potentially be blocked. This would involve the Vice President invoking the 25th Amendment of the Constitution. If a President is deemed unfit for duty, they can be removed, provided there is a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House, along with majority support from the Cabinet.