Political Wire

SubscribeSign in
  • Front Page
  • Trending News
  • Polling Dashboard
  • Trial Balloon
  • Membership
    • Subscribe
    • Sign In
  • Sign In
  • Contact Us
Theme
Text size

Trump Talked of Using ‘Nuclear Football’ on North Korea

March 28, 2019 · 6:29 pm ET · Leave a Comment

When President Trump was surveying hurricane damage in Puerto Rico in 2017, he “was distracted by other matters — including his then-devolving war of words with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un,” CNN reports.

At one point, Trump pointed to the “nuclear football” — a briefcase always in the President’s vicinity that can be used to authorize a nuclear attack — and claimed he could use it on Kim whenever he felt.

Said Trump: “This is what I have for Kim.”

Foreign Affairs North Korea

← PreviousTrump Asks Senators to Create ‘Spectacular’ Health PlanNext →McConnell Won’t Take Lead on Trump’s Health Bill

Latest on Political Wire

  • 11:30 amWho’s Running Ken Paxton’s Campaign?
  • 11:28 amPentagon Dispute in Trump’s First War Foreshadowed Iran
  • 11:00 amA New Electoral Map for 2028
  • 10:58 amOne More Data Point
  • 10:56 amStudents Lose Bid Over ‘Lets Go Brandon’ Shirt Ban

Front page →

Political Wire is reader-supported. Join for ad-free reading, member posts and new features →

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire -- which for more than two decades has been one of the nation's most influential political news sites.

More about Taegan Goddard →

Your Account

Members

For the full experience, sign in.

Become a Member

  • Join Political Wire
  • Gift a Membership

Members Only

  • Who’s Running Ken Paxton’s Campaign?
  • The Battleground Is Getting Much Bigger
  • One Chart That Explains the Midterm Elections
  • Weekly News Quiz
  • Majorities or Mirage?

Word of the Day Political Dictionary

Blue State

A “blue state” is one whose voters elect primarily Democratic candidates.

Read the definition →

Yesterday’s Word of the Day: Mission Accomplished Moment

Show me a random term

Think You Know Politics?

  • The Way It Was →
  • Yea or Nay? →
  • Split Decision →
  • Pollster →

Copyright © 2026 · Goddard Media LLC

Political Wire® is a registered trademark of Goddard Media LLC

Also from Goddard Media: Political Dictionary · Political Job Hunt · Electoral Vote Map

Privacy PolicyCorrections PolicyContact