Trump Orders Nuclear Subs Repositioned Amid Medvedev's Statements

In a warning to Russia, President Donald Trump said he's ordering the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines "based on the highly provocative statements" of former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.

Trump posted on his social media site that he had "ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that."

The president added, "Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances."

Medvedev was president from 2008 to 2012, but has since become known for his provocative and inflammatory statements. He frequently wields nuclear threats and lobbs insults at Western leaders on social media.

"Russia is right on everything and will continue to go its own way," Medvedev wrote in response to Trump's warning.

Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences. Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didn't care. - Dmitry Medvedev

The move comes at a delicate moment in the Trump administration's relations with Moscow, as the two countries have been at odds over issues such as Ukraine and economic sanctions.

He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn't Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. - Dmitry Medvedev

This isn't the first online spat between Trump and Medvedev. In July, after Trump announced plans to supply Ukraine with more weapons via its NATO allies and threatened additional tariffs against Moscow, Medvedev posted a response.

Trump's playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10 and added, "He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn't Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country." - Dmitry Medvedev

It's unclear what impact Trump's order will have on U.S. nuclear subs, which are routinely on patrol in the world's hotspots.