Trump chaos puts US military in precarious spot

Lawmakers seek assurance over nuclear fears as they prepare impeachment

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The riot in the U.S. capital has lawmakers on edge because American nuclear forces, like this B-2 stealth bomber, are still under the control of President Trump. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Defense)

ALEX FANG, Nikkei staff writer

NEW YORK -- U.S. President Donald Trump's access to nuclear codes is weighing on the minds of U.S. lawmakers as they prepare to introduce articles of impeachment as soon as Monday over his role in inciting a deadly riot at the Capitol.

Calling Trump "unhinged," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Friday statement that she spoke to Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- the nation's highest-ranking military officer -- to "discuss available precautions preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes and ordering a nuclear strike."

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