NPR

Admiral Says He'd Launch A Nuclear Strike On China If Trump Ordered It

While Adm. Scott Swift's affirmative response to that nuclear scenario might sound like cause for alarm, a spokesman for the Pacific Fleet said the premise of the question was "ridiculous."

At a security conference in Australia on Thursday, this scenario was posed to the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet: If ordered to do so by President Trump, would he would launch a nuclear attack on China next week? His response: Yes.

An academic in the audience posed this question to : "At risk of being blunt ... If, when you return to your command next week, you were to receive an order from the commander in chief, the president of the United States, to make a nuclear attack on China, would you do it?"

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min read
Peloton Is Laying Off Workers And Replacing The CEO — Again
It's déjà vu for the luxury fitness company: Peloton is cutting about 400 more jobs, and its CEO is stepping down just two years after a major shakeup.
NPR7 min readAmerican Government
Trump Trial Coverage
The news media face a number of temptations while covering the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, including dwelling on salacious details, overdramatizing insignificant moments, and getting distracted by out-of-court behaviors that have
NPR1 min readAmerican Government
FTC Bars Former Pioneer CEO In Exxon Mobil Deal, Saying He Colluded With OPEC
Exxon Mobil's $60 billion deal to buy Pioneer Natural Resources received federal clearance, but former Pioneer CEO Scott Sheffield was barred from joining the new company's board of directors.

Related Books & Audiobooks