Gate News message, April 20 — According to retired CIA analyst Larry Johnson speaking on YouTube program Judging Freedom, US President Donald Trump attempted to access nuclear codes during an emergency White House meeting on Saturday (April 19) but was denied by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The military official invoked his authority as head of the military to refuse the request.
The allegations remain unverified and the intended purpose of accessing the codes is unclear. The incident reportedly occurred amid escalating tensions over the Iran conflict, which began on February 28 when joint US-Israeli strikes targeted key Iranian positions. Military advisers have previously expressed concerns about Trump’s unpredictability affecting critical operations, and he was reportedly excluded from Situation Room discussions during a recent Iran rescue operation.
Iran has since retaliated with strikes across the Middle East and closed the Strait of Hormuz trade route. A temporary ceasefire has been agreed, though no long-term peace agreement has been reached.