Trump Directs Pentagon to Resume Nuclear Testing
In a major defense announcement on October 29, former President Donald Trump declared that the United States will “immediately” resume nuclear weapons testing, ending a 33-year moratorium that began under President George H.W. Bush.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, highlighting the progress achieved in nuclear modernization during his first term. However, he expressed growing concern about China’s rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal, warning that Beijing could reach parity with the U.S. and Russia within five years.
Trump Cites China’s Nuclear Expansion
According to Trump, the United States can no longer afford to remain idle while other nations conduct advanced nuclear 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 stated.
The statement underscores Trump’s long-held belief that American strength depends on military superiority, especially in the nuclear arena. Analysts say the move could reshape global arms control dynamics and raise tensions among nuclear powers.
End of a 33-Year Pause in Nuclear Testing
The last U.S. nuclear test was conducted in 1992, after which the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was signed in 1996. Although the United States signed the treaty, the Senate never ratified it, meaning Washington remains technically free to resume testing.
If implemented, this directive would mark the first nuclear test in over three decades, a move likely to draw international criticism and potentially ignite a new arms race.
Global Reaction and Future Implications
Experts warn that restarting nuclear testing could trigger similar actions from Russia, China, and North Korea, undermining decades of arms control progress. However, Trump’s supporters argue that renewed testing is essential to maintain deterrence and ensure U.S. technological superiority.
Political observers believe this announcement could play a major role in shaping Trump’s 2025 defense agenda if he seeks to return to office.
Leave a Reply