WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to resume nuclear weapons testing “immediately,” citing recent missile developments by Russia and the need to maintain global strategic balance.
The directive, announced Wednesday night on Trump’s Truth Social account, stated that the U.S. must act to ensure parity with other nuclear-armed nations. “The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country,” Trump wrote. “This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my First Term in office. Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice.”
According to Trump, both Russia and China have continued nuclear testing programs, with China projected to reach comparable capacity within five years. “Because of other countries’ testing programs,” Trump stated, “I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately.”
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump emphasized that the move was a direct response to recent developments abroad. “It had to do with others — they seemed to all be nuclear testing,” he said. “We have more nuclear weapons than anybody. We don’t do testing. We halted it many years ago, but with others doing testing, I think it’s appropriate that we do also.”
Pressed for specifics, the President declined to provide details on when or where testing will begin, stating only, “It’ll be announced. You know, we have test sites.”
Trump dismissed concerns that renewed testing might escalate global tensions. “I don’t think so,” he said. “I think we have it pretty well locked up. But we have more than anybody, and I see them testing. I say, well, they’re testing, we have to test too.”
The decision comes amid rising tensions with Russia following reports that Moscow successfully tested a nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile capable of traveling more than 8,000 miles. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the weapon is being prepared for deployment.
In response, Trump referenced U.S. strategic deterrence, noting that a nuclear submarine was stationed “right off their shores.” “We’re not playing games with them,” he told reporters. “We test missiles all the time. But, you know, we do have a submarine, a nuclear submarine. We don’t need to go 8,000 miles.”
The President also hinted at possible new sanctions on Russia, stating, “You’ll find out.”
This marks the first time in decades that the U.S. government has formally ordered a resumption of nuclear weapons testing. While previous administrations had maintained a moratorium in line with international arms agreements, Trump’s directive suggests a broader shift in defense posture amid renewed global competition.
Officials at the Department of War have yet to announce specific testing locations or timetables. Analysts say the move could spark international debate and potential responses from both NATO allies and nuclear rivals.
TL;DR
President Trump has ordered the United States to restart nuclear weapons testing immediately, citing Russia’s recent missile launches and the need to maintain global parity. The announcement marks the first such directive in decades and signals a more aggressive U.S. defense posture amid rising global tensions.
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