Former Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló alleges that during a tour of the hurricane-ravaged island in 2017, then-President Donald Trump made a shocking comment about being prepared to launch a first strike in the event of nuclear warfare. Rosselló claims that Trump made this comment as they were surveying the damage caused by Hurricane Maria, leaving him feeling shocked and concerned about the implications of such a statement. The interaction is described in Rosselló’s upcoming book, “The Reformer’s Dilemma and the Need for a Radical Middle.”
Rosselló recounts Trump’s comment about the unpredictable nature of nuclear warfare and how the US wouldn’t hesitate to press the button in such a scenario, which left him feeling stunned. He questioned the reality of the statement and whether Trump was truly discussing total annihilation while observing the devastation on the island. This exchange highlighted Rosselló’s concerns about Trump’s approach to foreign policy and willingness to engage in nuclear conflict.
In response to these allegations, the Trump campaign defended the former president’s record on foreign policy, emphasizing his efforts to promote global peace and security. The campaign adviser highlighted Trump’s diplomatic achievements, such as working with North Korea to halt nuclear tests and missile launches and imposing sanctions on Iran during his presidency. The campaign also criticized President Joe Biden’s foreign policy decisions, claiming that they have increased the risk of conflict and instability on the world stage.
While on the campaign trail, Trump has expressed concerns about the threat posed by nuclear weapons, often referring to them as the “N-word” and emphasizing their destructive capabilities. Despite this rhetoric, Trump made headlines in 2018 with his tweet boasting about having a “Nuclear Button” that is larger and more powerful than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s, which raised eyebrows and further fueled concerns about Trump’s approach to nuclear proliferation.
Overall, Rosselló’s account sheds light on a controversial interaction between Trump and a former government official regarding nuclear warfare and the potential for a first strike. The response from the Trump campaign highlights the former president’s foreign policy accomplishments while criticizing his successor’s actions. The incident underscores the importance of careful diplomacy and decision-making in the realm of nuclear weapons and international relations to prevent conflict and promote peace.
