Trump Orders Nuclear Weapons Testing
This week, President Donald Trump announced a significant shift regarding U.S. nuclear weapons. He instructed the Pentagon, under the Department of War, to start testing these weapons “on an equal basis” with those of America’s rivals.
The timing of this announcement is notable, as it comes just before his anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Trump made the declaration through a post on Truth Social.
“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. “Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice!”
He continued, noting, “Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years. Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately.”
The last time the U.S. conducted a nuclear test was back in 1992 during an underground test known as “Divider” in Nevada. Former Trump national security advisor Robert C. O’Brien had previously urged Trump to resume testing during his 2024 campaign. In a letter, he stressed the importance of testing for reliability and safety rather than just relying on computer models.
“Washington must test new nuclear weapons for reliability and safety in the real world for the first time since 1992—not just by using computer models,” O’Brien expressed in a Foreign Affairs magazine article.
He noted that if China and Russia don’t participate in productive arms control discussions, the U.S. should also consider restarting production of key nuclear materials.
Trump’s move seems to be a response to recent developments, particularly Russia’s test of the 9M730 Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered cruise missile, which reportedly traveled a significant distance. Trump called this test “inappropriate” given the ongoing situation in Ukraine, urging a resolution to what has become a prolonged conflict.
“I don’t think it’s an appropriate thing for Putin,” Trump stated, adding that ending the war should be a priority instead of testing new missiles.
In response to accusations of nuclear testing, the Kremlin denied that the Burevestnik missile test was nuclear in nature, labeling it a regular weapons test. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for Putin, emphasized that all nations are enhancing their defense capabilities, but insisted it was not a nuclear test.
“All countries are developing their defense systems, but this is not a nuclear test,” Peskov remarked.
Yet, as the U.S. considers its position, Russia has also made strides in testing its nuclear-powered Poseidon torpedo, which can carry a nuclear warhead. Putin claimed this weapon’s capabilities exceed those of Russia’s most advanced intercontinental missiles, highlighting concerns about the escalating arms race.
“This is really a very powerful type of weapon that is capable of incapacitating or disabling entire states from war,” he stated.
On the other hand, China is reportedly expanding its nuclear arsenal quickly, even without officially testing a nuclear weapon since 1996. Estimates suggest that China’s stockpile has increased sharply, potentially exceeding 1,000 warheads by 2030.
