In a bold move underscoring his no-nonsense approach to national defense, President Donald J. Trump revealed Friday that he ordered two U.S. nuclear submarines to be repositioned in response to escalating nuclear rhetoric from a top Russian official.

The decision followed provocative comments by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, who issued a stark warning on X (formerly Twitter):

“Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war.”

President Trump responded swiftly on Truth Social:

“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.”

Although Trump did not disclose the submarines’ precise locations, his remarks made clear the United States is not taking any chances.

“He was talking about nuclear,” Trump told The New York Post as he departed the White House. “When you talk about nuclear you have to be prepared. And we’re totally prepared.”

The Pentagon, when asked for further details, referred all questions to the White House, which declined to comment on the nature of the deployment—whether the submarines are nuclear-armed or nuclear-powered.

This marks the first time during his second term that President Trump has publicly hinted at a nuclear military posture in direct response to threats from Moscow. The move signals a serious escalation in rhetoric between Washington and the Kremlin as Trump continues to push for an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

President Trump has set a firm deadline: if Russia doesn’t halt its invasion of Ukraine by August 8, it will face crippling secondary sanctions, including 100% tariffs on countries continuing to do business with Moscow.

“They are very biting. They are very significant,” Trump said during remarks at Joint Base Andrews. “And they are going to be very bad for the countries involved.”

Trump emphasized he’s hopeful diplomacy will prevail:

“I hope we don’t have to pull that string. Maybe we won’t. We’ll see.”

Despite personal outreach to Vladimir Putin and multiple U.S.-led summits with Russian officials in Istanbul and Riyadh, the Kremlin has shown little willingness to withdraw from Ukraine.

“So far, it’s all talk and no action,” Trump said, expressing frustration over the lack of Russian cooperation.

Medvedev, long known for his belligerent anti-American rants, fired back at Trump with a series of unhinged posts:

“Trump should remember two things — Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran,” he wrote, warning of a broader war.
“Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe road!” he added, mocking Trump’s nickname for Joe Biden.

In July, Medvedev had already dismissed Trump’s threats as theater:

“Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences. Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didn’t care.”

He also ridiculed Trump’s strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure:

“At this rate, Trump can forget about the Nobel Peace Prize — not even with how rigged it has become. What a way to kick things off, Mr. President. Congratulations!”

In response, President Trump on Thursday labeled Medvedev a “failed former President of Russia” and warned him directly:

“Watch your words.”

Medvedev replied hours later:

“Russia is right on everything and will continue to go its own way.”

President Trump’s latest move underscores a return to peace through strength—a stark contrast to the weakness and appeasement seen under the Biden administration. As the clock ticks toward the August deadline, all eyes are on Moscow to see if Trump’s hardline stance will bring an end to the bloodshed—or provoke an even more dangerous confrontation.