Shaheen Statement on Reuters Report that President Trump Denounced New START Treaty During Call with President Putin

(Washington, DC)—Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after Reuters reported that President Trump denounced the New START nuclear arms treaty in a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin after interrupting the call to ask aides what the treaty was:

“It’s impossible to overstate the negligence of the President of the United States not knowing basic facts about nuclear policy and arms control,” said Shaheen. “If this report is true, President Trump should immediately review the provisions of the New START Treaty with his advisors and Cabinet. The President’s reported conversation with President Putin directly undermines testimony delivered by his Secretary of State of and Secretary of Defense as their nominations were considered. New START has unquestionably made our country safer, an opinion widely shared by national security experts on both sides of the aisle. The administration desperately needs to develop a consistent position on nuclear policy, especially before engaging in further conversations with world leaders."