Washington D.C. – President Donald Trump has suggested the United States will resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time in 30 years, marking a dramatic shift in American nuclear policy. Trump announced the decision on social media, stating that nuclear weapons testing would proceed on an “equal basis” with Russia and China. The announcement, which came minutes before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, has raised alarm bells internationally about a potential return to Cold War-era nuclear escalation.
The United States has not conducted nuclear weapons testing since 1992, maintaining a voluntary moratorium that has been observed by virtually all nuclear-armed nations. While the US military regularly tests missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads, actual detonation of these weapons has remained suspended for three decades.
Trump’s Social Media Declaration
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump justified the resumption of nuclear weapons testing by claiming other countries were conducting such tests. “Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis,” Trump wrote. “That process will begin immediately.”
However, Trump provided few specific details about what the nuclear weapons testing would entail or which countries he believed were actively testing. The announcement appeared to conflate the testing of missile delivery systems with the actual detonation of nuclear warheads, creating confusion among military officials and international observers.
Kremlin Issues Stark Warning
The Kremlin responded swiftly to Trump’s nuclear weapons testing announcement, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov warning that Russia would follow suit if any country abandons the testing moratorium. “If someone abandons the moratorium, Russia will act accordingly,” Peskov stated during a call with reporters.
Peskov referenced earlier warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had previously indicated Moscow would resume nuclear weapons testing if other nations did so first. The Kremlin spokesman emphasized that while a global ban on nuclear tests remains in place, Russia stands ready to respond in kind to any country that breaks this moratorium.
Confusion Over Trump’s Intent
When Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington, he appeared to conflate different types of weapons testing. “I see them testing and I say, well, if they’re going to test, I guess we have to test,” Trump told reporters, though he did not specify which countries he was referring to.
Vice Admiral Richard Correll, Trump’s nominee to lead the military command overseeing the nation’s nuclear arsenal, was pressed by senators during his confirmation hearing to interpret the president’s comments on nuclear weapons testing. “I wouldn’t presume that the president’s words meant nuclear testing,” Correll cautiously stated.
Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii challenged this interpretation, pointing out, “Well, that’s what he said.” Independent Senator Angus King of Maine suggested Trump might have meant testing of weapons delivery systems rather than actual nuclear weapons testing, though Correll admitted he had no insight into the president’s intent.
Global Treaty Implications
The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which the United States signed but never ratified, has been observed since its adoption by all countries possessing nuclear weapons, with North Korea being the only exception. Trump’s announcement of renewed nuclear weapons testing would mark the first time a major nuclear power has broken this informal moratorium in decades.
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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned Trump’s announcement, warning that “current nuclear risks are already alarmingly high.” Guterres reminded the world of “the disastrous legacy of over 2,000 nuclear weapons tests carried out over the last 80 years.”
Russian Nuclear-Powered Weapons Development
Putin recently announced that Russia tested new atomic-powered and nuclear-capable systems, including the Burevestnik cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater drone. However, Peskov emphasized these tests involved nuclear-powered delivery systems, not actual nuclear weapons testing through warhead detonation. Russia’s last nuclear weapons testing occurred in 1990.
In 2023, Putin signed legislation revoking Russia’s ratification of the global nuclear test ban, claiming parity with the United States was necessary since the US Senate never ratified the treaty.
Chinese Response and Concerns
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged the United States to fulfill its obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. “China hopes the U.S. will earnestly fulfill its obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and honor its commitment to suspend nuclear testing,” stated Guo Jiakun at a Beijing briefing.
Arms Control Experts Sound Alarm
Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, sharply criticized Trump’s nuclear weapons testing announcement, calling the president “misinformed and out of touch.” Kimball noted the US has no legitimate reason to resume nuclear explosive testing and estimated it would require at least 36 months to prepare the former Nevada test site for renewed nuclear weapons testing.
Contradictory Messaging on Denuclearization
Despite announcing plans for nuclear weapons testing, Trump told reporters he favors “denuclearization” and “de-escalation,” claiming the US is “actually talking to Russia about that,” though he provided no elaboration.
Conclusion
Trump’s announcement regarding nuclear weapons testing represents a potentially seismic shift in global nuclear policy, threatening to unravel decades of international restraint and risking a new nuclear arms race among major powers.
