Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS News Hour

How a president decides to launch nuclear weapons

There are many checks and balances built into the elaborate system to control America's nuclear weapons -- except when it comes to the sole decision-making of the president of the United States. Judy Woodruff speaks with Peter Feaver of Duke University about about the procedures for controlling the U.S. arsenal and who else is in the chain of command.

Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Season
June 24, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 24, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 23, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
56:45
June 23, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 22, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
June 22, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
June 21, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
June 21, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
June 20, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
56:44
June 20, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 19, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 19, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 18, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 18, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 17, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 17, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 16, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 16, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 15, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
June 15, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
June 14, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
June 14, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
June 13, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
June 13, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Active loading indicator
California News
She Left Her Abuser. Now the Shelter That Helped Her Is Losing Federal Funds Under Trump
She Left Her Abuser. Now the Shelter That Helped Her Is Losing Federal Funds Under Trump
California nonprofits that provide lifelines to crime victims have lost millions of dollars in federal grants.
californianews
Read more
New California tool ranks extreme heat danger by neighborhood. Here's how it works
New California tool ranks extreme heat danger by neighborhood. Here's how it works
It’s going to be hot this summer. And a new tool can help you figure out the risk that the temperature can pose to your health.
californianews
Read more
From save our state to sanctuary, California’s immigration views have shifted dramatically
From save our state to sanctuary, California’s immigration views have shifted dramatically
California voted to bar immigrants from schools and social services in 1994. Now most Californians see immigrants as a benefit to the state.
californianews
Read more
Federal Proposals Threaten Provider Taxes, Key Source of Medicaid Funding for States - KFF Health News
Federal Proposals Threaten Provider Taxes, Key Source of Medicaid Funding for States - KFF Health News
Republican proposals to tighten the use of special taxes to fund Medicaid programs could deprive states of billions of dollars for safety net health care. In California, any such limit would come on top of Medicaid cuts proposed by California Democrats in response to a $12 billion state deficit.
Read more