Stephen Schwartz
@atomicanalyst.bsky.social
Editor/Co-author, “Atomic Audit: The Costs and Consequences of US Nuclear Weapons Since 1940” • Nonresident Senior Fellow, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists • Nuclear weapons expert (history, policy, costs, accidents) and tracker of the nuclear “Football.”
Pinned
In the March 1981 issue of the @bulletinatomic.bsky.social, conflict resolution expert and Harvard Law School professor Roger Fisher described his “quite simple” idea to force US presidents to viscerally confront the lethal consequences of ordering a nuclear attack. books.google.com/books/about/...
Robert Duvall (as Fred Waterford, The Commander) and a simulacrum of the “Football” in the first adaptation of “The Handmaid's Tale” (1990).
February 17, 2026 at 2:55 AM
Robert Duvall (as Fred Waterford, The Commander) and a simulacrum of the “Football” in the first adaptation of “The Handmaid's Tale” (1990).
MISSILE is streaming for free on Kanopy (www.kanopy.com) in the United States, along with all of Frederick Wiseman’s films.
Here’s a taste (two US Air Force missileer trainees at Vandenberg Air Force Base practice the process for launching a Minuteman ICBM):
Here’s a taste (two US Air Force missileer trainees at Vandenberg Air Force Base practice the process for launching a Minuteman ICBM):
February 16, 2026 at 11:01 PM
MISSILE is streaming for free on Kanopy (www.kanopy.com) in the United States, along with all of Frederick Wiseman’s films.
Here’s a taste (two US Air Force missileer trainees at Vandenberg Air Force Base practice the process for launching a Minuteman ICBM):
Here’s a taste (two US Air Force missileer trainees at Vandenberg Air Force Base practice the process for launching a Minuteman ICBM):
Today in 1987, the highly-controversial miniseries “AMERIKA”—envisioning life in the United States in 1997, 10 years after the Soviet Union invaded and occupied the country—premiered on ABC (more than three years after ABC produced and broadcast the widely-watched nuclear-war movie “The Day After”).
February 15, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Today in 1987, the highly-controversial miniseries “AMERIKA”—envisioning life in the United States in 1997, 10 years after the Soviet Union invaded and occupied the country—premiered on ABC (more than three years after ABC produced and broadcast the widely-watched nuclear-war movie “The Day After”).
Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Happy Valentine’s Day!
The Trump regime and the Republican Party could not be more explicit about their intentions ahead of this year’s midterms and all future elections:
If you don’t support them, they don’t support your constitutional right to vote in local, state, and national elections.
They are outlaws. Stop them.
If you don’t support them, they don’t support your constitutional right to vote in local, state, and national elections.
They are outlaws. Stop them.
Kristi Noem: "When it gets to Election Day, we've been proactive to make sure we have the right people voting, electing the right leaders to lead this country."
February 14, 2026 at 5:12 PM
The Trump regime and the Republican Party could not be more explicit about their intentions ahead of this year’s midterms and all future elections:
If you don’t support them, they don’t support your constitutional right to vote in local, state, and national elections.
They are outlaws. Stop them.
If you don’t support them, they don’t support your constitutional right to vote in local, state, and national elections.
They are outlaws. Stop them.
Today in 1967, representatives of the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean (except Cuba) assembled in Mexico City to sign the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (commonly known as the Treaty of Tlatelolco). It entered into force on April 22, 1968.
February 14, 2026 at 4:52 PM
Today in 1967, representatives of the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean (except Cuba) assembled in Mexico City to sign the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (commonly known as the Treaty of Tlatelolco). It entered into force on April 22, 1968.
Today in 1964, “Seven Days in May”—the topical thriller adapted by Rod Serling from the best-selling 1962 novel by Fletcher Knebel and Charles W. Bailey II, and starring Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster—opened at the Trans-Lux theater in Washington, DC. (It opened in New York City on February 19.)
February 14, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Today in 1964, “Seven Days in May”—the topical thriller adapted by Rod Serling from the best-selling 1962 novel by Fletcher Knebel and Charles W. Bailey II, and starring Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster—opened at the Trans-Lux theater in Washington, DC. (It opened in New York City on February 19.)
The White House Military Office Space Force aide was on “Football” duty for Emperor Trump’s trip this afternoon to Fort Bragg, NC. The ~45-pound satchel accompanies Trump 24/7, enabling him alone to authorize the use of any of our ~1,770 deployed nuclear weapons—up to 900 on alert—at any time.
February 13, 2026 at 8:26 PM
The White House Military Office Space Force aide was on “Football” duty for Emperor Trump’s trip this afternoon to Fort Bragg, NC. The ~45-pound satchel accompanies Trump 24/7, enabling him alone to authorize the use of any of our ~1,770 deployed nuclear weapons—up to 900 on alert—at any time.
Today in 1960, France conducted its first nuclear weapon test—codenamed Gerboise Bleue—atop a 106-meter steel tower in the desert at the Saharan Military Experiments Center near Reggane, Algeria. The explosive yield of the experimental device was 65 kilotons (65,000 tons of TNT).
February 13, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Today in 1960, France conducted its first nuclear weapon test—codenamed Gerboise Bleue—atop a 106-meter steel tower in the desert at the Saharan Military Experiments Center near Reggane, Algeria. The explosive yield of the experimental device was 65 kilotons (65,000 tons of TNT).
Today in 1950—the first Broken Arrow: Three engines on a B-36B bomber on a 24-hour nonstop simulated nuclear combat mission from Eielson AFB, AK, to Carswell AFB, TX, caught fire in icy conditions off western British Columbia, so the crew jettisoned an unarmed Mark-4 atomic bomb before bailing out.
February 13, 2026 at 1:55 PM
Today in 1950—the first Broken Arrow: Three engines on a B-36B bomber on a 24-hour nonstop simulated nuclear combat mission from Eielson AFB, AK, to Carswell AFB, TX, caught fire in icy conditions off western British Columbia, so the crew jettisoned an unarmed Mark-4 atomic bomb before bailing out.
This is a good and relatively rare glimpse of one of the six White House Military Office aides (here from the Army) who carry Vice President JD Vance’s identical backup Presidential Emergency Satchel, which accompanies him everywhere 24/7. This was captured at Joint Base Andrews, MD (date unknown).
February 12, 2026 at 2:57 PM
This is a good and relatively rare glimpse of one of the six White House Military Office aides (here from the Army) who carry Vice President JD Vance’s identical backup Presidential Emergency Satchel, which accompanies him everywhere 24/7. This was captured at Joint Base Andrews, MD (date unknown).
Tonight in 2017, Mar-a-Lago Club member Richard DeAgazio got up close and personal with White House Military Office Army aide Ricardo Turner and the “Football,” taking and posing for photos and sharing them in a boastful post on Facebook, an early mini-scandal of the first Trump administration.
February 11, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Tonight in 2017, Mar-a-Lago Club member Richard DeAgazio got up close and personal with White House Military Office Army aide Ricardo Turner and the “Football,” taking and posing for photos and sharing them in a boastful post on Facebook, an early mini-scandal of the first Trump administration.
This afternoon in 1977, Jimmy Carter became the first president to fly aboard the Boeing E-4A version of the National Emergency Airborne Command Post (NEACP)—now an E-4B called the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC)—on his first flight home to Georgia three weeks after taking office.
February 11, 2026 at 1:48 PM
This afternoon in 1977, Jimmy Carter became the first president to fly aboard the Boeing E-4A version of the National Emergency Airborne Command Post (NEACP)—now an E-4B called the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC)—on his first flight home to Georgia three weeks after taking office.
Today in 1968, President Lyndon Johnson’s national security adviser, Walt Rostow, warned him about FRACTURE JAW, a top secret operation authorized by General William Westmoreland to transport nuclear weapons to South Vietnam and prepare to use them to prevent a possible US defeat at Khe Sanh.
![Copy of part of the first page of a formerly TOP SECRET EYES ONLY memorandum on White House letterhead from Rostow to the president dated Saturday February 10, 1968, 10:00 a.m.:
"Mr. President:
With respect to your questions this morning about the nuclear matter:
1. Attached herewith is the memorandum to General Wheeler from Bob Ginsburgh. As you see, he raised the matter on his own with respect to Dien Bien Phu and no relation to the White House or me.
2. In Admiral Sharp's response to General Wheeler's back channel message which followed, Adm. Sharp said that he and Westy had exchanged views several days previously on the need for some very closely-held planning about nuclear weapons should the situation around Khe Sanh warrant it and should the highest authority direct their use. He noted it was unlikely the situation at Khe Sanh would become so desperate to warrant such use, but felt military prudence alone required some such planning.
3. There are no nuclear weapons in South Vietnam. Presidential authority would be required to put them there. [REDACTED]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:iwbebt5r65c67xl5vy5iviwj/bafkreiadreodhpepfsi4macv5quvobluxehgtfvxdsd6rnsuimvuqqwpyy@jpeg)
February 10, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Today in 1968, President Lyndon Johnson’s national security adviser, Walt Rostow, warned him about FRACTURE JAW, a top secret operation authorized by General William Westmoreland to transport nuclear weapons to South Vietnam and prepare to use them to prevent a possible US defeat at Khe Sanh.
At least the courageous musicians aboard the RMS Titanic didn’t try to pretend their ship wasn't sinking, or convince any of the passengers otherwise.
February 9, 2026 at 9:42 PM
At least the courageous musicians aboard the RMS Titanic didn’t try to pretend their ship wasn't sinking, or convince any of the passengers otherwise.
OTD 30 yrs ago, “Broken Arrow” was released.
A B-3 stealth bomber pilot (John Travolta) conspires with mercenaries to steal two 1.2-Megaton B83 thermonuclear bombs during a training exercise over Utah and threatens to detonate them in Salt Lake City unless the US government hands over $250,000,000.
A B-3 stealth bomber pilot (John Travolta) conspires with mercenaries to steal two 1.2-Megaton B83 thermonuclear bombs during a training exercise over Utah and threatens to detonate them in Salt Lake City unless the US government hands over $250,000,000.
February 9, 2026 at 2:41 PM
OTD 30 yrs ago, “Broken Arrow” was released.
A B-3 stealth bomber pilot (John Travolta) conspires with mercenaries to steal two 1.2-Megaton B83 thermonuclear bombs during a training exercise over Utah and threatens to detonate them in Salt Lake City unless the US government hands over $250,000,000.
A B-3 stealth bomber pilot (John Travolta) conspires with mercenaries to steal two 1.2-Megaton B83 thermonuclear bombs during a training exercise over Utah and threatens to detonate them in Salt Lake City unless the US government hands over $250,000,000.
Today in 1977, Robert Aldrich’s thriller “Twilight’s Last Gleaming” was released. In it, a maverick US Air Force general (Burt Lancaster) escapes from death row, commandeers a Titan ICBM launch complex in Montana, and threatens to start World War III unless the president accedes to all his demands.
February 9, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Today in 1977, Robert Aldrich’s thriller “Twilight’s Last Gleaming” was released. In it, a maverick US Air Force general (Burt Lancaster) escapes from death row, commandeers a Titan ICBM launch complex in Montana, and threatens to start World War III unless the president accedes to all his demands.
The White House Military Office Army aide is on “Football” duty for Emperor Trump’s latest taxpayer-funded jaunt to his Mar-a-Lago Club. The ~45-pound satchel accompanies Trump 24/7, enabling him alone to authorize the use of any of our ~1,770 deployed nuclear weapons—up to 900 on alert—at any time.
February 7, 2026 at 12:24 AM
The White House Military Office Army aide is on “Football” duty for Emperor Trump’s latest taxpayer-funded jaunt to his Mar-a-Lago Club. The ~45-pound satchel accompanies Trump 24/7, enabling him alone to authorize the use of any of our ~1,770 deployed nuclear weapons—up to 900 on alert—at any time.
I didn’t stress it yesterday, but the megalomaniacal narcissism required for Trump to perpetuate this gargantuan, self-aggrandizing, bald-faced lie is off the scale:
“I have stopped Nuclear Wars from breaking out across the World between Pakistan and India, Iran and Israel, and Russia and Ukraine.”
“I have stopped Nuclear Wars from breaking out across the World between Pakistan and India, Iran and Israel, and Russia and Ukraine.”
More than 12 hours after New START expired, Trump posted: “… we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future.”
Oh really? You could have ordered that 5-9 years ago during your first term, not to mention last year.
YOU DON’T CARE.
Oh really? You could have ordered that 5-9 years ago during your first term, not to mention last year.
YOU DON’T CARE.
February 6, 2026 at 9:27 PM
I didn’t stress it yesterday, but the megalomaniacal narcissism required for Trump to perpetuate this gargantuan, self-aggrandizing, bald-faced lie is off the scale:
“I have stopped Nuclear Wars from breaking out across the World between Pakistan and India, Iran and Israel, and Russia and Ukraine.”
“I have stopped Nuclear Wars from breaking out across the World between Pakistan and India, Iran and Israel, and Russia and Ukraine.”
The United States has now publicly accused China of conducting secret, very low yield underground nuclear tests designed to evade seismic detection, specifically on June 22, 2020, by exploding a device inside an underground cavern large enough to decouple the shockwave from the surrounding rock.
US accuses China of secret nuke testing as it calls for broader arms control treaty
The US accused China Wednesday of conducting at least secret nuclear tests as Washington continued its push for a new arms control treaty.
nypost.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:57 PM
The United States has now publicly accused China of conducting secret, very low yield underground nuclear tests designed to evade seismic detection, specifically on June 22, 2020, by exploding a device inside an underground cavern large enough to decouple the shockwave from the surrounding rock.
OTD 30 yrs ago, Secretary of Energy Hazel R. O’Leary held her third Openness Initiative press conference, declassifying, among other things, a complete inventory of US production, acquisition, use, and distribution of plutonium from 1944-94, incl. its current locations. www.osti.gov/opennet/serv...
February 6, 2026 at 3:29 PM
OTD 30 yrs ago, Secretary of Energy Hazel R. O’Leary held her third Openness Initiative press conference, declassifying, among other things, a complete inventory of US production, acquisition, use, and distribution of plutonium from 1944-94, incl. its current locations. www.osti.gov/opennet/serv...
Today in 1987, “When the Wind Blows”—an animated adaptation of the powerful 1982 satirical graphic novel by Raymond Briggs about an elderly British couple valiantly following the government’s detailed civil defense advice to try and survive a nuclear attack—opened in theaters in the United Kingdom.
Anti-War Animation Film I When the Wind Blows (1986) I Retrospective
YouTube video by Retrospective - Classic Movies
www.youtube.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Today in 1987, “When the Wind Blows”—an animated adaptation of the powerful 1982 satirical graphic novel by Raymond Briggs about an elderly British couple valiantly following the government’s detailed civil defense advice to try and survive a nuclear attack—opened in theaters in the United Kingdom.
75 years ago this morning, the United States conducted FOX, a proof test of a Mk-6 atomic bomb, at the Nevada Proving Ground, its fifth test there. The yield was 22 kilotons (the predicted yield was 34 kilotons). Below, the first published photographs of a mushroom cloud over Nevada, from that test.
February 6, 2026 at 3:08 PM
75 years ago this morning, the United States conducted FOX, a proof test of a Mk-6 atomic bomb, at the Nevada Proving Ground, its fifth test there. The yield was 22 kilotons (the predicted yield was 34 kilotons). Below, the first published photographs of a mushroom cloud over Nevada, from that test.
More than 12 hours after New START expired, Trump posted: “… we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future.”
Oh really? You could have ordered that 5-9 years ago during your first term, not to mention last year.
YOU DON’T CARE.
Oh really? You could have ordered that 5-9 years ago during your first term, not to mention last year.
YOU DON’T CARE.
February 5, 2026 at 10:10 PM
More than 12 hours after New START expired, Trump posted: “… we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future.”
Oh really? You could have ordered that 5-9 years ago during your first term, not to mention last year.
YOU DON’T CARE.
Oh really? You could have ordered that 5-9 years ago during your first term, not to mention last year.
YOU DON’T CARE.
Today in 1958, an F-86L interceptor collided with a B-47 bomber on a simulated nuclear attack run, severely damaging both aircraft. To land safely at Hunter AFB, Georgia, B-47 pilot Major Howard Richardson jettisoned a 3.4-Megaton Mark-15 thermonuclear bomb into Wassaw Sound. It was never recovered.
February 5, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Today in 1958, an F-86L interceptor collided with a B-47 bomber on a simulated nuclear attack run, severely damaging both aircraft. To land safely at Hunter AFB, Georgia, B-47 pilot Major Howard Richardson jettisoned a 3.4-Megaton Mark-15 thermonuclear bomb into Wassaw Sound. It was never recovered.