Was Donald Trump 'blocked' from using the nuclear codes against Iran?

AFP / France 24
by Vedika BAHL
April 21, 2026
2 views
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

A former CIA analyst claims President Donald Trump was prevented from using nuclear codes against Iran by a general.

AI Summary

Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson alleged on a podcast that President Donald Trump was "blocked" from using nuclear codes against Iran by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Johnson described a "blow up" during an emergency White House meeting where President Trump reportedly expressed a desire to use the codes. This allegation emerges amid growing concern among lawmakers regarding President Trump's unpredictable behavior and questions about his mental state. The claim, if true, would indicate a significant internal conflict over a presidential order concerning nuclear weapons. It highlights potential tensions within the administration regarding national security decisions.

Source Coverage Map

30 of 43 tracked sources covered this story

70% coverage
Did Not Cover (13)
ICIJ97ProPublica95Bellingcat95Center for Public Integrity93Reveal News91+8 more

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Other Sources Covering This Story

5 sources

Multiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Middle East : Fragile US-Iran talks hinge on nuclear and Hormuz disputes
Global

Middle East : Fragile US-Iran talks hinge on nuclear and Hormuz disputes

US-Iran negotiations show limited progress but remain tense, with disputes over enriched uranium and the Strait of Hormuz still unresolved. Donald Trump warns the conflict could resume if no deal is reached, while mediators say compromises may still be possible on nuclear restrictions.

AFP / France 24Apr 18
Tucker Carlson says he regrets backing Donald Trump and is ‘tormented’
Politics

Tucker Carlson says he regrets backing Donald Trump and is ‘tormented’

<p>The podcaster admits he ‘misled’ supporters as his rift with the US president deepens over the Iran war</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/apr/21/us-politics-latest-news-kevin-warsh-federal-reserve-donald-trump">US politics live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/tucker-carlson">Tucker Carlson</a>, a Conservative podcaster, has said he is “tormented” by his support of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump">Donald Trump</a>, issuing in an extraordinary mea culpa that called for “a moment to wrestle with our own consciences”.</p><p>Carlson delivered that comment in a conversation with Buckley Carlson, his brother and a former Trump speechwriter, on The Tucker Carlson Show on Monday that reviewed the new money takeover of the traditional conservative values in a Republican party now dominated by the president.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/21/tucker-carlson...

The Guardian US NewsApr 21
Donald Trump’s Latest Crypto Corruption: A Mar-a-Lago Party for His Coin Buyers
Politics

Donald Trump’s Latest Crypto Corruption: A Mar-a-Lago Party for His Coin Buyers

Gas prices are sky high. A war in Iran is far from over. Airlines are running out of jet fuel. And the GOP is stumbling into an important midterm season. So who is Donald Trump making time for on his busy schedule? The 297 people most invested in $TRUMP, his meme coin. Trump is once […]

Mother JonesApr 17
What was the Iran nuclear deal Trump dumped in search of ‘better’ terms?
Global

What was the Iran nuclear deal Trump dumped in search of ‘better’ terms?

Trump withdrew the US from the JCPOA in 2018, branding it 'the worst deal ever' and seeking stronger terms.

Al JazeeraApr 21
Iran Embassy in Tajikistan posts AI video of Jesus punching Trump in the face
Global

Iran Embassy in Tajikistan posts AI video of Jesus punching Trump in the face

Iran’s embassy in Tajikistan on Tuesday posted an AI-generated video of Jesus Christ punching President Trump in the face. The embassy posted the video on its account on the social platform X. Christ is seen emerging from the skies seen above Trump in an image the president initially posted on his own Truth Social account.…

The HillApr 15
House rejects effort to withdraw US forces from the Iran war as Republicans stick with Trump - AP News
National Security

House rejects effort to withdraw US forces from the Iran war as Republicans stick with Trump - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMioAFBVV95cUxNeC1TVlhBMTJpQnNGNmtjYlRoaEpNQzJkM3A0ZERTUmFHWUFRRFdWcW5JcS0yX3YzOWNxdS1qcnA3Z0JuU0ZnMl9EbUJaN2twLVhiZm5oRVRpeXZiUGJkQ1psSzRtQ3ZxUk92aUViQU1EeE8xVHZaR1hlNDcwQkJoMzV6bnY2R1J1eE9RalBfLWdkSW5OaXhMZzZJVmNyOENB?oc=5" target="_blank">House rejects effort to withdraw US forces from the Iran war as Republicans stick with Trump</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsApr 16
Read Next
Investigation into deaths, disappearances of staff at secretive government labs
National Security

Investigation into deaths, disappearances of staff at secretive government labs

The FBI is investigating the cases of at least 10 staffers at secret government labs who have either died or disappeared. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources