News

Actions

Trump: 'Let it be an arms race' with Russia, China; spokesman walks back comments

Posted
and last updated

WASHINGTON (AP) — A spokesman says President-elect Donald Trump is putting other countries on notice with his tweet calling for greatly expanded U.S. nuclear capability.

The spokesman says Donald Trump was responding to Russia, China and other countries talking about expanding their own nuclear capabilities.

Sean Spicer said Friday, "The president isn't saying we're going to do this. He said, 'unless they come to their senses.' It's a warning to them that this president isn't going to sit idly by."

Also Friday, MSNBC reported that Trump said: "Let it be an arms race, because we will outmatch them at every pass and outlast them all."

The network's "Morning Joe" host Mika Brzezinski said Trump made the statement in a phone call with her.

Spicer spoke on Fox News and NBC's "Today."

---------

Sign up for Denver7 email alerts to stay informed about breaking news and daily headlines.

Or, keep up-to-date by following Denver7 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.