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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
World
Jim Manzon

Fact Check: The Truth Behind the Viral Claim That General Dan Caine 'Blocked' Trump's Nuclear Codes

Caine has consistently urged caution, but Johnson's claim that he blocked a nuclear order lacks evidence. The gap between Trump's rhetoric and the Joint Chiefs' stance fuels viral rumors. (Credit: X)

A retired US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) analyst's claim that General Dan Caine physically blocked Donald Trump from launching a nuclear strike on Iran has racked up nearly 2 million views online in under 24 hours, yet fact-checkers say no official record of the alleged Saturday meeting exists.

The allegation came from Larry C Johnson on the 'Judging Freedom' podcast, hosted by former judge Andrew Napolitano. Johnson said Trump tried to 'use the nuclear codes' during an emergency session at the White House, and that Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stood up and invoked his authority as head of the military to stop him. Political commentator Jimmy Dore amplified the clip on X on 20 April, where it went viral within hours.

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