Donald Trump issues "fire and fury" ultimatum in face of North Korea nuclear threat
This feels pretty significant
Donald Trump has incited the anger of lawmakers and political figures in the United States by issuing an ultimatum in response to a nuclear threat from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
The president threatened to meet any further threats with “fire and fury that the world has never seen”, and Kim has responded with suggestions that his country could target the American overseas territory of Guam.
"North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States,” President Trump said.
“They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen... [Kim] has been very threatening beyond a normal state.
“They will be met with fire, fury and frankly power the likes of which this world has never seen before.”
In response, North Korea has confirmed the possibility of a strike on Guam is being “carefully examined”.
Guam is roughly 3,400km away from North Korean capital Pyongyang, less than half the distance between North Korea and Hawaii, and one third of the distance between Pyongyang and New York.
The island, located in the Pacific Ocean, has a heavy US military presence.
Regardless of people’s feelings about the actions of North Korea, the response to Trump’s aggression has not been uniformly positive.
Indeed, many have been quick to point out the gravity of the situation – something which not everyone appears to be taking on board.
We even saw a US Senator get involved.
We’d love to tell you this isn’t just another step on the road to full-scale nuclear war, but it doesn’t feel like there are any certainties at this stage. Especially when people have been saying things like this for months…
(Image: Rex Features)
