Corker Schedules Senate Hearing on Trump's Ability to Launch Nuclear Weapons

Sen. Bob Corker, who has previously expressed concern about President Trump’s capacity to start World War III, will hold a hearing assessing Trump’s authority to do just that. On Wednesday night, Corker, who is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced a “long overdue” discussion on the executive’s authority to launch a nuclear weapon.

“A number of members both on and off our committee have raised questions about the authorities of the legislative and executive branches with respect to war making, the use of nuclear weapons, and conducting foreign policy overall,” Corkers announcement said.

A hearing examining the executive branch’s nuclear authority, according to Corker’s announcement, hasn’t been held since 1976. Senators will discuss “this critical issue” on Nov. 14.

There are, of course, many reasons why Corker might want to question Trump’s nuclear authority, not least of which is the Commander in Chief’s impulsive, reactionary temperament. Just a few long months ago, in August, Trump threatened North Korea with “fire and fury” like the world has never seen. Speaking to the United Nation in September, Trump ramped up his bellicose warnings and said the U.S. would “totally destroy” North Korea if provoked. Then there’s the whole Trump-can’t-stop-threatening-nuclear-war-over-Twitter thing.

No word on whether Trump’s around-the-clock team of aides (also referred to as child care providers) have informed him of Corker’s hearing. It seems unlikely, though, given that Trump has yet to fire off a tweet about Liddle Bob Corker as of publication.