In a stark escalation of rhetoric, President Donald Trump on Friday ordered the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines in response to what he described as “highly provocative” remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “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. Words are very important and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
While U.S. submarines regularly patrol strategic areas around the world, public confirmation of their movement is highly unusual and signals heightened tensions between Washington and Moscow.
In a follow-up interview with Newsmax, Trump elaborated: “He’s got a fresh mouth,” he said of Medvedev. “He was talking about nuclear. When you talk about nuclear, we have to be prepared. And we’re totally prepared.” He confirmed the submarines are being moved “closer to Russia.”
The exchange follows an ultimatum issued by Trump earlier this month, demanding that Russia agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine within 50 days—a deadline he later shortened to 10. Trump warned of sweeping economic sanctions if Moscow fails to comply. The deadline is set to expire next week.
Medvedev, known in recent years for his aggressive rhetoric, responded mockingly on social media: “Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia, 50 days or 10. He should remember two things: 1. Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step toward war. Not with Ukraine, but with his own country.”
Trump fired back, branding Medvedev a “failed former President of Russia” and warned him to “watch his words.” Medvedev replied defiantly: “Russia is right on everything and will continue to go its own way.”
Later at the White House, Trump confirmed the submarine deployment, stating, “We had to do that. We just have to be careful. A threat was made, and we didn’t think it was appropriate.”
“I do that on the basis of safety for our people,” he added. “We’re going to protect our people.”
The Pentagon has not released further details on the location or mission parameters of the submarines.
