Former US intelligence chief fears nuclear launch codes in President Trump's hands

Former US intelligence director James Clapper said that President Donald Trump's possession of nuclear launch codes amid a tense war of words with North Korea is "very worrying."

Former US intelligence director James Clapper. Photo: AFP

In an interview on August 23 withCNNFormer US intelligence director James Clapper has expressed concerns about President Trump's authority to use nuclear launch codes without consulting Congress or any other officials.

“I am really worried about (President Donald Trump) having access to the nuclear launch codes. If he decides in a moment of anger to do something to (North Korean leader) Kim Jong-un, there is almost nothing that can stop him. The whole launch code system is designed to ensure the fastest possible response when needed, so it is difficult to control, and that is worrying.”

The comments come shortly after President Trump threatened earlier this month to unleash “fire and fury” on North Korea, warning that North Korea would face consequences the likes of which they have never seen before if it attacked the United States.

The tense war of words between the US and North Korea has raised concerns that a conflict between the two sides is inevitable and that Washington may resort to using the nuclear launch codes. President Trump was handed the nuclear launch codes when he was sworn in earlier this year.

Like any predecessor, whether in the White House, in a special car, on Air Force One or even on foreign trips, Mr. Trump will always have an officer close by carrying the nuclear suitcase containing the launch codes.

In an emergency, Mr. Trump or any US president would have less than 15 minutes from the time he was informed of the situation until he decided whether to launch a nuclear attack or not.

Before deciding to activate the launch codes, the president will consult his subordinates, but the final decision still depends entirely on the president and commander in chief of the United States.

According to Dan Tri