Washington, D.C. — In a bold and controversial move, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he has instructed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, a decision that marks a significant shift in U.S. defense policy. The U.S. has not conducted nuclear explosive testing since 1992, and Trump’s latest directive to restart the process has raised concerns internationally, particularly with ongoing global tensions.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump revealed that the U.S. would begin testing its nuclear weapons again immediately. He cited the growing nuclear capabilities of Russia and China as the primary reasons for the shift in policy, stressing that the U.S. “must test” its own weapons to remain competitive on the global stage.
Trump’s Statement on Nuclear Testing
“The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country. This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my First Term in office,” Trump wrote. He continued by describing his reluctance to resume testing, despite seeing it as a necessary step to maintain American nuclear superiority.
“Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis,” Trump added. He mentioned that Russia and China, while currently behind the U.S. in terms of nuclear weapons, would likely close the gap within five years without further testing on America’s part.
Global Context: Russia and China’s Nuclear Advancements
Trump’s announcement came shortly before meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both of whom have ramped up their respective countries’ nuclear programs in recent years. Putin recently declared a successful test of a new atomic-powered, nuclear-capable underwater drone, following another successful test of a nuclear-powered cruise missile just days earlier.
Russia’s nuclear advancements and China’s growing military ambitions have been key factors in Trump’s decision to resume U.S. testing. While some analysts have raised concerns over the potential for an arms race, others view Trump’s actions as a countermeasure to keep pace with Russia and China’s expanding arsenals.
The U.S. Resumes Testing Amidst Concerns
The resumption of nuclear weapons testing by the U.S. is highly controversial. The U.S. stopped conducting nuclear explosive tests in 1992, when the nation signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) alongside other global powers. The decision to test again after nearly three decades raises questions about the future of nuclear arms control, with critics arguing that it could undermine decades of diplomatic efforts toward global nuclear disarmament.
U.S. Sharing Submarine Technology with South Korea
In a separate announcement, Trump also revealed that the U.S. would share nuclear-powered submarine technology with South Korea. This agreement, which will see the U.S. assist South Korea in building its own nuclear-powered submarine, marks a significant shift in military cooperation between the two nations. The submarine will be built in the Philly Shipyard, recently acquired by South Korea’s Hanwha Group.
The U.S. has traditionally kept its nuclear submarine technology under tight control, only sharing it with a select few allies, including the United Kingdom and Australia. However, this new deal with South Korea signals a deeper military partnership in the Pacific region, particularly in response to North Korea’s ongoing missile tests and growing nuclear ambitions.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Nuclear Arms Control
As the U.S. re-enters the nuclear testing arena, global leaders, disarmament advocates, and policymakers will be closely monitoring the implications of Trump’s decision. The move has already sparked a debate about the future of arms control, nuclear nonproliferation, and the potential risks of reigniting an arms race between global powers.
With tensions rising and nuclear advancements accelerating around the world, President Trump’s bold move to resume testing could mark the beginning of a new phase in global military strategy—one that will undoubtedly shape the future of nuclear diplomacy for years to come.
