GOP Debate: Would you trust Donald Trump with access to nuclear weapons?
A completely reasonable question.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The first question of the CNN's Republican presidential debate was whether candidates trusted the brazen Donald Trump with access to the United States’ nuclear launch codes.
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul said on Wednesday night that Mr Trump is simply too aggressive to lead the United States. Senator Paul added that Mr Trump's temperament would make him untrustworthy in negotiating with foreign leaders and criticized his comments on Carly Fiorina.
Mr Trump replied with little to no hesitation: "I never attacked him on his looks and believe me there's plenty of substance right there.”
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker added his own quip: "We don't need an apprentice in the White House. We have one right now.”
However, neurosurgeon Ben Carson refused to attack Mr Trump and said he’s in the race to fix the county, not add to its divisiveness: ”I don't want to really get into describing who's a politician and who's not.”
Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina also refused to engage with the question. Ms Fiorina promised to attack Mr Trump prior to the debate, instead, she called the red-faced politician a "wonderful man that all of us will be revealed over time and under pressure."
She says whether Trump can be trusted with nuclear weapons is for voters to decide.
In August, the Guardian asked Mr Trump in August under what circumstances he would unleash a nuclear weapon.
“Well, I don’t even want to talk about that question. That’s a very serious question. Hopefully you never have to use a nuclear weapon, hopefully. But you have to be prepared – the world hates us.”
Additional reporting by the Associated Press.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments