President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that two United States Navy nuclear-powered submarines were “positioned in the appropriate regions” after threatening language from a senior Russian official.
The leader of the free world made the announcement in a post on Truth Social, stating that the boats were deployed in response to comments made by Dmitry Medvedev, the former president of Russia and current deputy chairman of the security council of the Russian Federation.
“I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that,” Trump wrote on his social media platform. “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
There is no indication where the submarines were deployed or if they were ballistic missile or cruise missile submarines (SSBNs or SSGNs), or fast attack submarines (SSNs). The United States Navy generally does not disclose the movement of any of its nuclear-powered submarines, giving the fleet of underwater vessels its nickname as the “Silent Service.”
The submarines were likely similar on their routine patrol.
Trump and Medvedev’s War of the Words
Trump’s comments came a day after Medvedev, who remains a fierce and vocal ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, referenced Russia’s nuclear capabilities following exchanges on social media. Earlier in the week, Trump called for Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, and warned that if the Kremlin failed to follow through, it would face even harsher sanctions. Trump’s current deadline is August 8, far shorter than the 50 days that Trump called for the ending of hostilities.
That set off a wave of personal attacks. In one post, Medvedev accused Trump of engaging in “the ultimate game with Russia,” and suggested, “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war.” Medvedev had previously called Trump’s posts “theatrical” and stated bluntly that “Russia didn’t care.”
“Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10… He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe road!,” Medvedev wrote on X (formerly Twitter) earlier in the week.
The deputy chairman had served as president of Russia from 2008 to 2012. At the time, many experts suggested that he served as a “placeholder” for Putin, who was restricted from running for president a third time under Russia’s constitutional term limits. Once he returned to office in 2012, Putin loosened these term limits, allowing him to serve until 2036.
Trump has not been shy about speaking his mind with world leaders. In February, the 47th president notably scolded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, telling him that he was “playing with World War III” following perceived intransigence in peace talks.
Trump and Putin Are at Each Other’s Throats
The US leader had engaged in a similar social media back and forth with Putin in May, at one point writing on Truth Social, “What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!”
Following that exchange, at least one analyst suggested Trump’s online feuds were more fitting of a reality TV show host than the president of the United States.
“Leadership isn’t about liking your enemies; it’s about managing them,” said geopolitical analyst Irina Tsukerman, president of Scarab Rising. “And calling a nuclear-armed adversary ‘crazy’ with the world watching is less Winston Churchill, it’s more Charlie Sheen.”
It is unclear what Trump hoped to achieve by being so public about the positioning of the submarines, but the SSBNs are one leg of the US military’s nuclear triad. The US Navy currently operates 14 Ohio-class SSBNs, each armed with Trident II D5.
Russia also operates a dozen SSBNs, including its older Delta-class from the Soviet era and newer Borei-class boats. Russia also maintains a fleet of attack submarines and cruise missile submarines.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a thirty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image: Shutterstock / wadstock.
