Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson alleged on a podcast this week that President Donald Trump wanted to use the nuclear codes against Iran during an emergency White House meeting, but that he was stopped by General Dan Caine, Chairman of his Joint Chiefs of Staff. He described the interaction as "quite the blow up." It comes as concern mounts over the US President's unpredictable behaviour, as many lawmakers voice doubt about his mental state.
On an appearance on the Judging Freedom podcast hosted by former Fox News analyst Andrew Napolitano, ex-CIA officer Larry Johnson claimed an emergency briefing evolved into a confrontation, after General Dan Caine stood his ground after Trump sought to invoke the nuclear codes. He said Caine "stood up and said 'No.' He invoked his privilege as the head of the military."
CNN reported that Caine, Pete Hegesth and other top officials arrived at the White House on Saturday 18th April, and footage of Caine “storming out” of the building was shown on the podcast by Johnson. But the idea of Caine “blocking” Trump goes against the reality of the command chain, as technically nobody can overrule the President's command.
However, what has been reported is conflicting ideas between General Caine and President Trump. Though the US president said online in February that Caine believed military action against Iran could be "easily won," it's not what Caine advised at the time, according to the Washington Post.
The Wall Street Journal also reports that Trump was "intentionally excluded from the Situation Room" during Washington's recent operation to rescue US airmen in Iran. Sources revealed that he was in such a volatile state that he was screaming at his aides "for hours" and military officials made the choice to limit his access, "believing his impatience wouldn't be helpful."
Though it's difficult to verify proof of nuclear strike intent, the gap between Trump's recent war rhetoric and the stance by his Joint Chiefs of Staff has fanned the flames of this viral claim.
Vedika Bahl delves into what we know in Truth or Fake.
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