Trump Directs Pentagon To Restart Nuclear Weapons Testing, Ending 33-Year Pause

📰 News in Short (60 Words)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. military to resume nuclear weapons testing after 33 years, saying the U.S. must act “on an equal basis” with Russia and China. The move, announced before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, has drawn global criticism for risking a new era of nuclear competition.

🧭 News in Detail:

In a surprise move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. military to immediately resume nuclear weapons testing, ending a 33-year moratorium. The announcement came just before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea.

Trump made the declaration on Truth Social while flying aboard Marine One, saying the U.S. must “test its nuclear weapons on an equal basis” with other major powers.

“Because other countries are testing, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately,” Trump posted.

The message appeared aimed at both China and Russia, amid rising tensions and ongoing military advancements by both nations.

China and Russia Respond

Russia, which recently conducted tests of nuclear-powered missiles and torpedoes, said Trump was mistaken to suggest it had tested nuclear weapons.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia had not conducted any nuclear explosive tests.

Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry urged the U.S. to uphold its commitment to the global testing moratorium and maintain strategic stability.

No nuclear power, except North Korea in 2017, has conducted a live nuclear test in over 25 years. The U.S. last tested in 1992, Russia in 1990, and China in 1996.

“Testing Needed to Keep Up,” Says Trump

While returning to Washington aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters that testing was necessary to ensure U.S. readiness and superiority.

“With others doing testing, I think it’s appropriate that we do also,” he said, noting that testing sites would be announced later.

Trump added that he supports denuclearisation, but said, “We have so many, and Russia’s second, China’s third — China will catch up in four or five years.”

China’s Growing Nuclear Power

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China’s nuclear arsenal has doubled from 300 warheads in 2020 to around 600 in 2025, and could reach 1,000 by 2030.

The Arms Control Association estimates the U.S. holds 5,225 nuclear warheads, while Russia has about 5,580.

Russia recently showcased its Poseidon nuclear-powered torpedo and Burevestnik missile, both capable of carrying nuclear warheads, though not used in current tests.

U.S. Lawmakers and Experts React

The announcement has sparked political backlash in Washington.
Representative Dina Titus from Nevada said she would introduce legislation to block the move.

Daryl Kimball, head of the Arms Control Association, said it would take at least three years to resume underground testing at the Nevada site. He called Trump’s plan “dangerous and unnecessary,” warning it could trigger a global wave of nuclear testing and harm the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Trump previously said he had discussed nuclear disarmament with Putin, adding that he wanted China to join such talks. Beijing dismissed that idea as “unrealistic” because its nuclear arsenal is much smaller.

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