Trump orders immediate nuclear weapons testing by Defense Department

President Donald Trump has announced he has instructed the Defense Department to immediately commence nuclear weapons testing, marking a significant shift in US nuclear policy. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform Thursday, Trump justified the decision by referencing testing programs conducted by other nations, stating he had directed what he called the "Department of War" to begin testing American nuclear weapons "on an equal basis."

Rationale Behind the Testing Decision

Trump explained that "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." While asserting that the United States possesses "more Nuclear Weapons than any other country," a achievement he attributed to his first term that included "a complete update and renovation of existing weapons," the president acknowledged that US adversaries are making progress in closing the gap in nuclear capabilities.

Expressed Reluctance and Strategic Concerns

Despite ordering the resumption of testing, Trump expressed personal reservations about the decision, writing "Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice!" His statement highlighted concerns about the evolving global nuclear landscape, noting that "Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years," suggesting the testing initiative aims to maintain American strategic superiority against advancing competitors.

Historical Context and Potential Implications

The announcement represents a potential departure from longstanding US nuclear testing policy, which has primarily relied on computer simulations and subcritical tests since the 1990s. Resuming live nuclear tests could have significant implications for international arms control agreements and global non-proliferation efforts, potentially triggering similar testing by other nuclear powers and escalating arms race tensions. The decision comes amid ongoing modernization of the US nuclear arsenal and increasing strategic competition with both Russia and China.