Trump reportedly asked adviser why US can't use nuclear weapons

MSNBC host Joe Scarborough told a stunned panel Wednesday morning that when Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump met with an unnamed national security expert earlier this year, he repeatedly asked why the U.S. couldn't use its nuclear weapons stockpile.

"Several months ago, a foreign policy expert went to advise Donald Trump," Scarborough said. "And three times he asked about the use of nuclear weapons — three times he asked. At one point, 'If we have them, why can't we use them?'"

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The remark was met with several moments of silence. Scarborough's co-host, Mika Brzezinski, eventually commented, "Be careful, America and be careful, Republican leaders. Your party is blowing up."

The exchange came during a conversation with retired Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden. When asked if he was aware of anyone advising the outspoken billionaire on foreign affairs, the general replied, "no one."

Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks responded to the claims later Wednesday morning, telling The Hill in an email, "There is no truth to this."

The 'Morning Joe' host did not reveal the name of the expert or how he heard about the briefing or the alarming exchange. Some in the media, including The Washington Post, have pointed out that the circumstances around Scarborough's story are unconventional, and there are several questions about the exchange that need to be answered.

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Trump has said in the past that he wouldn't rule out using nuclear weapons to fight the Islamic State. He also told MSNBC's Chris Matthews during a town hall meeting in March that the option of using nuclear weapons in Europe is something that shouldn't be taken "off the table."

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