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Nelson's Faint Praise For Trump Crisis Management

Tampa Bay Times

Bill Nelson, Florida’s senior U.S. Senator, says he’s deeply concerned about North Korea’s ability to arm an ICBM with a nuclear warhead.

So far, Florida’s highest ranking Democrat isn’t criticizing President Donald Trump’s response.

But when asked to describe his confidence in Trump’s ability to handle the crisis, Nelson would only refer to Trump’s chief of staff and top military aide.

“I have confidence in General Mattis, and I have confidence in General Kelly….and I’ll leave it at that.”

Retired Marine General John Kelly was sworn in as White House chief of staff only last week.

Retired Marine General James Mattis is Trump’s Defense Secretary.  

Nelson says he’s worried North Korea’s ability to put a nuclear device on a long-range missile will only embolden dictator Kim Jong-Un.  

A Miami native, former WFSU reporter Jim Ash is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience, most of it in print. He has been a member of the Florida Capital Press Corps since 1992.