We have nukes, chem and conventional.
A real leader would not be playing games of any kind. He or she would have, given evidence of abuses of power that constituted a threat to US security, have instantly struck with a precise and appropriate punishment, and explained to the American people later. Had this happened, the people and most of the free world would have been lined up in support. And if they action had not posed an actionable threat, there would have been no response whatsoever.
This is how leadership works. What we have is children, inexperienced amateurs trying to emulate true leaders.