Trump denies asking foreign policy expert why US could not unleash nuclear weapons
DONALD Trump asked a foreign policy expert why the United States could not unleash nuclear weapons if he becomes president, it has been claimed.
Donald Trump has allegedly asked an advisor 'why can't we use nuclear weapons?'
The claim was made by former Republican congressman Joe Scarborough during a TV interview with Michael Hayden, director of the CIA and National Security Agency under President George W. Bush.
Mr Scarborough claimed the issue was raised during an hour-long briefing on foreign affairs.
Mr Trump, 70, is alleged to have repeatedly asked an unnamed advisor: “If we have nuclear weapons why can’t we use them?”
It came to light when Mr Scarborough asked Mr Hayden whether any peers were advising the New York tycoon on national security and foreign policy.
Mr Hayden replied: “None.”
Michael Hayden, director of CIA claims no peers were advising Trump on nuclear weapons
Mr Scarborough then said: “I have to follow up on that...and I’ll be very careful here.
He asked three times in an hour briefing ‘Why can’t we use nuclear weapons?’
“Several months ago a foreign policy expert, on an international level, went to advise Donald Trump, and three times he asked about the use of nuclear weapons.
“Three times he asked. At one point ‘If we have them, why can’t we use them?’ He asked three times in an hour briefing ‘Why can’t we use nuclear weapons?’.”
Mr Hayden, who is also a Republican, went on to criticise Mr Trump saying: “He’s inconsistent.
Former Republican congressman Joe Scarborough disputed Alan Hayden's claim
"And when you’re the head of a global superpower, inconsistency, unpredictability, those are dangerous things. They frighten your friends and tempt your enemies.”
Mr Trump’s staff furiously disputed Mr Scarborough’s version of events.
Hope Hicks, Mr Trump’s aide, said: “There is no truth to this.”
Donald Trump's staff have furiously denied Mr Scarborough's allegations
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Mr Scarborough was a friend of Mr Trump for a decade. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the real estate billionaire and was mentioned as a possible running mate.
The two fell out earlier this year, with Mr Scarborough saying the mogul was “not the man I once knew”.
He claimed the nuclear conversation took place several months ago, but he only been told of it by the foreign policy expert in recent days.