General Question

RedDeerGuy1's avatar

Can the president of the United States launch a nuclear weapon without permission from Congress?

Asked by RedDeerGuy1 (24945points) February 15th, 2019

Just wondering.

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

6 Answers

Hawaii_Jake's avatar

Yes, but he must get cooperation from the Secretary of Defense and the generals in the Pentagon.

Ltryptophan's avatar

Theoretically they are already authorized and have been fired upon conditions being met.

flutherother's avatar

It gives new meaning to the phrase “you’re fired!”

Caravanfan's avatar

Sure. Congress has completely abdicated its Constitutional responsibility when it comes to declaring war. The last Constitutional war was World War 2.

mazingerz88's avatar

Seems like it.

Just seems to me a US President could by himself alone order a launch for no reason and there is no one who can override his order and stop it.

Either that or I haven’t seen yet the movie showIng exactly why I’m wrong. Lol

seawulf575's avatar

My understanding is that the power to launch nuclear weapons rests solely with the POTUS. It takes two persons to agree…the POTUS and the Sect of Defense, but if the SoD doesn’t concur, the POTUS has the authority to fire him. This all comes from OPLAN 8010-XX (XX is the year it was last modified…most administrations will update it when the POTUS takes command).

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