A report alleging that Donald Trump suggested using nuclear weapons to decimate hurricanes before they reached the US is untrue, the US president has claimed, describing the story as “ridiculous” fake news.

"The story by Axios that President Trump wanted to blow up large hurricanes with nuclear weapons prior to reaching shore is ridiculous. I never said this. Just more FAKE NEWS!” Trump tweeted on Monday.

The story by Axios that President Trump wanted to blow up large hurricanes with nuclear weapons prior to reaching shore is ridiculous. I never said this. Just more FAKE NEWS! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2019

Citing unnamed government sources, Axios reported that Trump had urged senior Homeland Security and national security officials to explore the idea of using nuclear weapons to stop hurricanes from hitting the US.

The suggestion was never seriously considered as a possible policy, the outlet said.

The White House declined to comment on the story.The possibility of using nukes to decimate hurricanes is not a concept that originated with Trump. The proposal dates back decades, but has been dismissed by the scientific community as a bad idea.

Also on rt.com NUKE them? ‘Not bad!’ Trump reportedly startled advisers with hurricane prevention strategy

Like this story? Share it with a friend!