In a significant policy shift, former US President Donald Trump has urged military leaders to resume nuclear weapons testing, citing the need to keep pace with global powers like Russia and China. Trump made the announcement on social media just before meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, emphasizing that the US must maintain its nuclear superiority. The US has not conducted nuclear tests since 1992, but Trump argued that other nations’ testing programs necessitate a response. He did not specify whether the proposed tests would involve nuclear explosions or weapon systems capable of delivering nuclear payloads. This move marks a departure from decades of US policy and comes amid heightened tensions with Russia, which recently tested advanced nuclear-capable weapons. The Kremlin denied conducting nuclear tests, stating its recent trials involved non-nuclear systems. China also responded, urging the US to adhere to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Experts warn that resuming nuclear testing could destabilize global arms control efforts and trigger a chain reaction among adversaries. Trump’s announcement has sparked criticism from opposition lawmakers and arms control advocates, who argue it lacks justification and risks public backlash.
Trump directs nuclear weapons testing to resume for first time in over 30 years
