It is argued that the president has almost sole authority to initiate a nuclear attack because the Secretary of Defense is required to verify the order, but cannot veto it.

Who holds the key to the nuclear bomb?

The President of the United States has the sole authority to fire a nuclear weapon, but the steps are involved and complicated. These critical steps work to safeguard against accidental launches and miscommunications. Fifteen minutes after receiving the order, nuclear missiles could be ready to launch.

Who controls nuclear weapons?

Approximately 91 percent of all nuclear warheads are owned by Russia and the United States who each have around 4,000 warheads in their military stockpiles; no other nuclear-armed state sees a need for more than a few hundred nuclear weapons for national security.