I've been told by a nuclear expert on another forum that any nuclear weapon is immediately traceable via its radiation signature.

They know who produced it, and would launch a devastating counter attack, even if it was launched from an unnamed barge off the coast.

Also, people that assume we don't have a way to kill inbound missiles may simply not have the security clearance to know what they really have.

I believe the US has laser weapons based in space that can take out the inbounds. (They have already demonstrated the laser defense system onboard special planes). (in addition to the destroyer based missiles that can kill inbounds).

Obviously, any space based laser defense systems would be kept quiet, to minimize the risk of the satellites being the first target. Also, if you recall how nervous the Russians got when Ronny Ray-gun announced his star wars defense system, probably best not to bring it up unless you want to watch the Russians lose their minds.

The creation of "Space Force" , makes it kind of obvious that we have some strategic stuff in orbit.