President Donald Trump has openly confirmed the repositioning of U.S. nuclear-powered submarines in response to provocative nuclear threats from Russian official Dmitry Medvedev — a move that breaks decades of U.S. strategic silence on submarine operations.
Trump’s rare admission came after Medvedev, the former Russian president and current deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, warned of escalating conflict with the United States. In response, Trump said he ordered nuclear submarines into “appropriate regions,” a statement that drew sharp attention from military analysts.
Historically, American presidents have used the movement of visible assets — such as aircraft carriers or bomber squadrons — to send signals to adversaries. But nuclear submarines, whose power lies in their stealth and unpredictability, are almost never mentioned publicly.
“We rarely, if ever, talk about submarine movements unless there’s been an undeniable accident,” said Gene Moran, a former Navy captain and Pentagon strategic advisor. “This announcement is highly unusual.”
Moran suggested the decision may have been intentional: “Submarine deployments are unverifiable. That’s what gives them strategic value — but also what makes this announcement clever, if you’re aiming for a headline.”
Vice Admiral Mike Connor, former commander of U.S. submarine forces, agreed that Trump’s comments did not compromise operational security. “He didn’t really give away too much,” said Connor, now CEO of maritime surveillance company ThayerMahan. “It’s generally understood our submarines are out there and capable.”
“It’s a more gentle message done this way,” Connor added. “It’s not really in your face. It’s just a reminder of what already exists.”
Trump told reporters Sunday that the submarines are “already in the region, where they should be,” offering no specifics but making clear that the U.S. is prepared to counter threats — subtly but decisively.