Story perspectives

Trump Allegedly Attempted to Access Nuclear Codes, Blocked by General

4/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Retired CIA analyst Larry Johnson alleges that at an April 18 emergency meeting, United States President Donald Trump tried to access nuclear codes but was blocked by General Dan Caine; the claims are unverified.
There are no confirmed reports of an emergency Pentagon meeting on that date.
The incident follows Trump's exclusion from the Situation Room during an Iran rescue operation amid temperament concerns and a U.S.- Iran clash since February 28, 2025.

History

Historical Context

The Iran Hostage Crisis began on November 4, 1979, when 66 Americans were taken hostage at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, with 52 held for 444 days. This event strained U.S.-Iran relations and led to President Jimmy Carter's declining approval ratings, which fell to 28%. The crisis ended with the Algiers Accords in January 1981, highlighting ongoing tensions in U.S. foreign policy.

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Story summary

Retired CIA analyst Larry Johnson alleges that at an April 18 emergency meeting, United States President Donald Trump tried to access nuclear codes but was blocked by General Dan Caine; the claims are unverified.
There are no confirmed reports of an emergency Pentagon meeting on that date.
The incident follows Trump's exclusion from the Situation Room during an Iran rescue operation amid temperament concerns and a U.S.- Iran clash since February 28, 2025.

1 / 2