It’s Time for Congress to End Presidential Sole Authority to Launch Nuclear Weapons

by John M Repp (what I said to an aide to Rick Larsen at a meeting with her in his Bellingham office along with other anti-nuclear activists on April 21, 2026)

Under the current policy in our country, not by law but by customary practice, the sitting president, as commander-in-chief, has sole authority to order the use of a nuclear weapon. Even worse is the policy of first use, which means the president has the power to use nuclear weapons not just in retaliation but any time he feels the interests of the nation are threatened.

The current president, Donald Trump has recently threatened Iran, with the words: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.” I think this president is incompetent and dangerous. Iran did not and does not threaten us, yet he started a war of aggression against Iran.

In his first term, the Guardian reported that the White House Chief of Staff General John Kelly said that he had to restrain Trump from using a nuclear weapon against North Korea.  

For some good news, Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA) has introduced HR 669 Restricting the First Use of Nuclear Weapons.  We would like Congressman Rick Larsen to sign on the HR 669.

 A no first use policy would decrease global tensions, increase geopolitical  stability, and save taxpayers money.

jmrepp5@gmail.com

1664 Fruitland drive

Bellingham, WA 98226