In a significant policy shift, former President Donald Trump revealed on Thursday that he has instructed the Pentagon to promptly commence nuclear weapons testing. This unexpected move challenges longstanding U.S. defense and disarmament policies.
This directive marks the first time since 1992 that the United States is preparing to conduct these tests, a decision that could disrupt the global nuclear balance and heighten tensions with both Russia and China.
Announced via Truth Social, Trump’s statement has sparked widespread international condemnation and raised concerns among arms control experts.
A Direct Message from Trump
Trump’s declaration on Truth Social was straightforward yet brief. He stated, “The United States has more nuclear weapons than any other nation. This was achieved, including a complete modernization and renewal of the existing arsenal, during my first term. Given their immense destructive power, it was very difficult to do, but I had no choice!”
The former President further justified his decision by citing advancements by other nuclear powers: “Russia ranks second, and China a distant third, but the situation will equalize in five years. Due to testing programs by other countries, I have directed the Department of War to initiate tests of our nuclear weapons on equal terms. This process will begin immediately. Thank you for your attention! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”
This message was issued as Trump traveled by helicopter to a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Gimhae Air Base in South Korea.
Breaking a Three-Decade Moratorium
According to The Washington Post, this presidential order represents the first concrete initiative to resume nuclear testing since President George H.W. Bush established a moratorium in 1992, at the end of the Cold War. The last U.S. nuclear detonation occurred that same year.
The announcement comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Recently, Russia conducted exercises involving nuclear forces, including the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile and the deployment of strategic bombers. Moscow, however, has denied these as nuclear tests.
Global Reactions to Trump's Announcement
The Kremlin's spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, expressed surprise, emphasizing that they were unaware of any nation conducting nuclear tests. “President Trump claimed other countries are supposedly conducting nuclear weapons tests, but until now, we knew of no such activities,” stated Peskov, adding that if anyone diverts from the moratorium, Russia will respond accordingly.
China’s Foreign Ministry urged the U.S. to adhere to its obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), signed by Washington, Moscow, and Beijing in 1996, but never ratified by the U.S. Beijing labeled Trump’s decision a threat to the international disarmament regime.
Lyle Morris, an expert on the Chinese military at the Asia Society Policy Institute, suggested that Xi Jinping was caught off guard by the announcement: “It was completely unexpected. Surprises before a major summit are unwelcome by Xi and China...this presents a distraction they certainly didn’t anticipate.”
Expert Warnings and Consequences
Trump’s announcement has alarmed arms control analysts. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, told The Washington Post, “The U.S. has no technical, military, or political reason to resume nuclear explosive testing.” He noted that the National Nuclear Security Administration, not the “Department of War” as mentioned by Trump, is not ready to restart testing immediately. It requires at least 36 months to reactivate underground tests at the Nevada Test Site, where much of the staff is currently furloughed due to the government shutdown.
Throughout his message, Trump emphasized the need for a “level playing field” with Russia and China, accusing them of advancing nuclear programs. However, according to the Department of Defense, although China is speeding up its nuclear modernization, it remains far from matching the numbers of Washington or Moscow. By 2030, it is estimated that China could exceed 1,000 warheads, compared to 3,700 for the U.S. and 4,300 for Russia.
Tong Zhao, a researcher at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, warned of the potential repercussions of Trump’s decision: “If the U.S. begins developing similar nuclear launch technologies [to Russia], there’s a high likelihood Beijing will do the same. Parallel developments by the U.S. and Russia might prompt China to accelerate its own programs.”
Trump’s announcement signifies a pivotal change in U.S. defense policy, prompting numerous questions about the future of global nuclear stability. The lack of details, the use of social media for such significant communication, and the institutional confusion over who would conduct the tests contribute to a sense of dangerous improvisation.
Understanding the Implications of Trump's Nuclear Testing Announcement
Why has Donald Trump decided to resume nuclear weapons testing?
Trump cited the need to maintain parity with other nuclear powers, specifically mentioning Russia and China’s advancements in their nuclear programs as a justification for the U.S. to resume testing.
What are the potential global repercussions of this decision?
The decision could disrupt the delicate global nuclear balance, incite tensions with other nuclear powers, and potentially lead to an arms race, as countries like China might accelerate their nuclear programs in response.
How have other countries reacted to Trump's announcement?
Countries like Russia and China have expressed surprise and concern. Russia has denied conducting nuclear tests, while China has urged the U.S. to adhere to international treaties like the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.