President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered the Pentagon to immediately restart nuclear weapons testing, citing the growing threat posed by the expanding arsenals of Russia and China.
“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 on Truth Social. “That process will begin immediately.”
The United States has not conducted a nuclear explosive test since 1992, maintaining a voluntary moratorium for over three decades. While Russia and China have not publicly confirmed any full-scale nuclear tests since the Cold War, intelligence officials believe China has conducted secret low-yield tests in recent years. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also refused to rule out future nuclear testing and has continued to showcase long-range nuclear-capable missile and torpedo systems.
Trump defended the decision as necessary, despite personal reluctance. “The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country,” he 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. Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within five years.”
The move comes just hours before Trump is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to South Korea. The decision adds weight to Trump’s message that the United States will no longer remain passive while adversaries push the boundaries of nuclear development.
Throughout his presidency and campaign, Trump has warned about the dangers of nuclear escalation. He often referred to nuclear weapons as “the N-word,” calling them the most dangerous force known to man. Trump has also cited his uncle, MIT professor John Trump, as the source of his understanding of nuclear technology and its implications.
Details on when and where the tests will take place have not been released, but analysts believe the Nevada National Security Site could be reactivated quickly if needed. The last American nuclear test was conducted there in 1992.
Trump’s announcement signals a sharp shift in U.S. nuclear policy, emphasizing readiness and deterrence over diplomatic restraint. With geopolitical tensions on the rise and rivals growing bolder, the president made clear that the era of quiet observation is over.
The post Trump Orders Immediate Resumption of U.S. Nuclear Weapons Testing: ‘No Choice But to Compete with Russia and China’ appeared first on Real News Now.
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