When the United States relocates its nuclear submarines, it is usually a highly classified operation. But following threats from Russia, Donald Trump has chosen to make it public, breaking with long-standing tradition. What is behind this move — and is it really the right answer to Putin’s tactics?
As Deutsche Welle reports, it is highly unusual for an American president to publicly order the redeployment of nuclear submarines. Trump, however, deliberately ignored this norm, announcing on social media that he will send two nuclear submarines to “appropriate regions.”
He explained that this was in response to recent comments by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, which Trump labeled “foolish and inflammatory.” Before departing Washington by helicopter for the weekend, Trump told reporters:
“A former president of Russia threatened us. We will protect our citizens. If Medvedev talks about nuclear weapons, America must be ready — and we are fully ready.”
Trump did not reveal which submarines are involved, nor whether they are nuclear-powered only or are actually carrying nuclear weapons.
A War of Words Between Trump and Medvedev
This latest nuclear saber-rattling marks the peak of a heated exchange between Trump and Medvedev, fought largely on social media.
Once seen in the U.S. as a moderate voice, Medvedev has become one of Putin’s most aggressive “attack dogs” since the war in Ukraine began. After Trump recently shortened an ultimatum for Putin to ten days before imposing harsh new sanctions, Medvedev threatened a direct military clash between Russia and the United States on X (formerly Twitter), insulting Trump as an “old man.”
Trump fired back, calling Medvedev a “failed former president of Russia” and saying he was “deeply disappointed in Putin.”
Critics and Supporters of Trump’s Move
John Bolton, Trump’s former National Security Advisor and now one of his harshest critics, slammed the decision in an interview with CNN, arguing that there is no need to move nuclear submarines now:
“Enough are already in position to deliver a counterattack in the event of a Russian nuclear strike. They’re already there — hopefully undiscovered.”
On the other hand, Leon Panetta, former U.S. Defense Secretary and CIA Director under Obama, backed Trump’s show of force:
“This is the right message for Putin. He often behaves irresponsibly and threatens with his nuclear arsenal — that is unacceptable. Putin rarely responds to words, but he reacts to actions.”
Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, disagreed. He warned that Trump’s actions fuel public fear of nuclear war, which is exactly what Putin wants:
“It’s just rhetoric. Trump thinks it makes him look strong — but it hurts us and helps Russia. He should instead be sending more weapons to Ukraine. That’s the only way Putin will realize he cannot win this war.”
Putin’s Calm Response
Putin, meanwhile, responded calmly — before Trump’s submarine announcement — saying disappointment stems from “excessive expectations.” He stated that any peace deal requires private, detailed negotiations free from public spectacle and political noise, but noted that this process has not yet begun.
Trump has recently hardened his rhetoric toward Moscow, calling Putin “crazy” and accusing him of spreading “nonsense” about Ukraine. He labeled Russia’s latest actions in Ukraine as “disgusting.”
