US President Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy with his remarks during a 72-minute address at Marine Corps Base Quantico on September 30. Speaking to top military leaders, Trump repeatedly referred to the term “nuclear” as what he called “the other N-word,” sparking outrage from viewers and commentators online.

In his speech, Trump declared: “We can’t let people throw around that word. I call it the N-word. There are two N-words, and you can’t use either of them.” He went on to emphasize America’s nuclear strength, revealing that he had ordered submarines closer to Russia’s coast in response to recent threats. Trump added: “Frankly, if it does get to use, we have more than anybody else. We have better. We have newer. But it’s something we don’t ever want to have to think about.”

This was not the first time Trump had used the phrase “second N-word” when referring to nuclear weapons. Earlier this year, during a Fox News interview about tensions between India and Pakistan, he startled host Bret Baier by asking, “You know what the N-word is, right?” After a pause, he clarified: “Nuclear!” He then added that nuclear weapons are “a very nasty word in a lot of ways.”

In that same discussion, Trump claimed credit for easing tensions in South Asia, saying: “That was going to be a nuclear war, I think, or close. Very close. And I stopped it.” He further suggested that his push for trade between India and Pakistan played a role in preventing escalation, adding: “I told my people, call them up and we’ll start trading immediately, because I’m a man of my word.”

Trump’s latest remarks, however, have fueled backlash. Many online users criticized his choice of words, arguing that casually equating “nuclear” with the racial slur shows a lack of seriousness in addressing global security issues. One Reddit user mocked the speech by calling it a “tactical slur,” while another asked: “Who does he think he’s talking to? Is he really trying to explain nuclear warfare to America’s top generals?”

The controversy highlights Trump’s long-standing tendency to mix provocative language with discussions of serious geopolitical matters. While his supporters argue he speaks in plain terms to connect with the public, critics say such rhetoric trivializes the gravity of nuclear threats.