Democratic lawmakers Calls Grow to Limit Trump's Unilateral Authority over Nuclear Weapons

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President Joe Biden faces mounting pressure from Democratic lawmakers to curb the president's unilateral authority over nuclear weapons—a move spurred by concerns about Donald Trump potentially regaining the presidency. On Thursday, Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Representative Ted Lieu of California sent a letter urging Biden to overhaul the longstanding policy that grants the sitting president sole authority to authorize nuclear strikes.  

 

Currently, the U.S. policy, as outlined in a Congressional Research Service report from May, allows the president to independently order nuclear weapon use as part of their constitutional role as commander in chief. While the president may seek advice from military leaders, those leaders are obligated to carry out the orders once issued.  

 

In their letter, Markey and Lieu emphasized the urgency of revisiting this policy, calling it "dangerous." "As Donald Trump prepares to return to the Oval Office, it is more important than ever to take the power to start a nuclear war out of the hands of a single individual and ensure that Congress' constitutional role is respected and fulfilled," they wrote.  

 

The Democratic lawmakers proposed a significant shift: requiring congressional approval before a president can initiate a nuclear strike. They argued that such a change would serve as a critical safeguard against impulsive decisions, particularly in times of international tension. "We urge you to announce that henceforth it will be the policy of the United States that it will not initiate a nuclear first strike without express authorization from Congress," their letter stated. However, they acknowledged that in the event of a nuclear attack on the U.S., the president would retain the ability to respond unilaterally.

 

Markey and Lieu framed this policy revision as an opportunity for Biden to solidify his presidential legacy. "Such a move could become an important part of your legacy," they wrote, appealing to the president's authority to enact a defining change.  

 

Concerns about Trump’s stance on nuclear weapons have persisted among Democrats since his first term in office. Trump has been vocal about his readiness to employ nuclear power, often invoking provocative rhetoric. In January 2018, he responded to a statement by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by tweeting, "North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.' Will someone from his depleted and food-starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!"  

 

These concerns are not one-sided. Republicans and Trump himself have accused Biden and the Democrats of escalating nuclear tensions. During a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in September, Trump warned of imminent global conflict, stating, "We're heading into World War III territory, and because of the power of weapons, nuclear weapons in particular."  

 

As debate over nuclear authority intensifies, the stakes remain high. Neither the White House nor Trump’s team has yet commented on the Democratic lawmakers' proposals. However, as the U.S. approaches the 2024 presidential election, the issue is likely to remain a focal point in discussions about national security and executive power.  

 

Based on a report by Newsweek 2024-12-16

 

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

Oh boo hoo, LOSERS.

 

If this is what we can expect the next four years, the Dems are just going to make themselves look stupid.

59 minutes ago, Social Media said:

On Thursday, Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Representative Ted Lieu of California sent a letter urging Biden to overhaul the longstanding policy that grants the sitting president sole authority to authorize nuclear strikes.  

Sooooo, they want Biden to change the system before he leaves the W H for ever. So silly, as if Biden can change it without congress Trump can just change it back when he takes over, and both houses of Congress are going to be controlled by the GOP if he needs Congressional approval.

Perhaps it's because of that sort of dumb thought that they lost the presidency.