Trump Sends Nuclear Subs After Russian Threat
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has ordered the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines following what he described as “highly provocative statements” from Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president and current deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council.
Trump made the announcement in a post on Truth Social, emphasizing that his directive was a response to escalating rhetoric from Medvedev regarding potential nuclear action. Trump stated, “Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.” Trump added that “words are very important and can often lead to unintended consequences,” and expressed hope that this would not be one of those instances.
The exact type and location of the submarines have not been disclosed, in line with standard U.S. military protocol. Analysts note that it is not clear whether the president was referring to nuclear-powered submarines or those carrying nuclear-armed missiles. The United States maintains a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines capable of launching nuclear weapons at short notice. These vessels typically form part of the country’s strategic nuclear deterrence capabilities, commonly referred to as the “nuclear triad” along with land- and air-based systems.
The move comes after a heated exchange between Trump and Medvedev on social media. Earlier in the week, Trump had warned Russia that if it did not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by the following week, he would impose additional economic sanctions. Medvedev responded by characterizing Trump’s ultimatum as “a step towards war,” and referenced Russia’s Cold War-era “Dead Hand” nuclear response system. In response, Trump reiterated that language has significant consequences and repeated his hope that tensions do not escalate further.
Asked by reporters to clarify the need for the submarine repositioning, Trump explained that he viewed Medvedev’s statements as a threat to the United States. “A threat was made by a former president of Russia, and we’re going to protect our people. We have to be very careful,” Trump said.
The Russian government has not issued an official response to Trump’s orders. However, some Russian officials have publicly downplayed the move, suggesting that U.S. submarines have been monitored and “under control” for some time.
This announcement marks a rare public demonstration of nuclear deterrence measures by the United States in its ongoing tensions with Russia. Movements of nuclear submarines are typically confidential due to their strategic importance. Experts have suggested that Trump’s directive is likely intended as a clear signal rather than a change in actual military posture, since U.S. submarines routinely operate in international waters and are always capable of responding to strategic threats.
As of now, the situation remains tense, but there have been no reports of military escalation beyond the rhetorical exchanges between U.S. and Russian officials.