Back to Show
PBS News Hour
Should U.S. president be authorized to launch nuclear bomb?
On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped the first atomic weapon on Hiroshima, Japan. Seventy-five years later, the NewsHour revisits how the president became the sole authority on when nuclear weapons are used. Nick Schifrin reports and talks to former Secretary of Defense William Perry, co-author of "The Button: The New Nuclear Arms Race and Presidential Power from Truman to Trump."
Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Support Provided By

57:46
June 17, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

57:46
June 16, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

26:45
June 15, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode

26:45
June 14, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode

57:46
June 13, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

57:46
June 12, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

57:46
June 11, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

57:46
June 10, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

56:45
June 9, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

24:09
June 8, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
24:09
June 7, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode

57:46
June 6, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode