Trump Orders U.S. to Resume Nuclear Weapons Testing After 33 Years
Trump Orders to Resume Nuclear Weapons Testing: In a bold and unexpected move, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to immediately resume nuclear weapons testing after a 33-year hiatus.
Trump Orders U.S. to Resume Nuclear Weapons Testing
The announcement came just minutes before a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, where the two leaders were set to discuss trade negotiations.
Trump shared the news on Truth Social while aboard Marine One, saying the U.S. must test its nuclear arsenal on an “equal basis” with other nuclear powers. “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,” he wrote.
He added that while Russia ranks second and China third in nuclear stockpiles, China will catch up within five years.
Trump says resuming U.S. nuclear weapons testing "will be announced"—the first time in 30 years. Instead of leading with diplomacy, he's fueling a new arms race. Dangerous, reckless, and purely performative. pic.twitter.com/mg6KH9AQMy
— Free Citizens (@free_citizens1) October 30, 2025
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Why Trump Orders U.S. to Resume Nuclear Weapons Testing
Trump’s decision comes amid a backdrop of significant nuclear developments worldwide:
China has more than doubled its nuclear arsenal over the past five years, from an estimated 300 warheads in 2020 to 600 in 2025, with projections exceeding 1,000 by 2030, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Russia has conducted several advanced weapons tests recently, including a nuclear-powered cruise missile (Burevestnik) on October 21 and a nuclear-powered super torpedo (Poseidon) on October 28. While these tests did not involve nuclear warheads, Moscow has indicated it could respond with nuclear testing if the U.S. resumes live nuclear tests.
North Korea remains the only other nation to conduct explosive nuclear tests in the last 25 years, with its last test in 2017.
Trump emphasized that the tests are necessary to maintain parity with rival powers. On Air Force One, he said, “With others doing testing, I think it’s appropriate that we do also,” while dismissing fears of escalating nuclear risk, adding that U.S. nuclear stockpiles are “well locked up.” He also reiterated his support for denuclearization talks with Russia and, potentially, China.
Global Reactions
The announcement has provoked mixed reactions:
Russia: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that Russia’s recent tests do not constitute nuclear explosions. However, a senior Russian lawmaker warned Trump’s decision signals a new era of unpredictability and confrontation.
China: Beijing called on the U.S. to uphold its commitment to a moratorium on nuclear testing and preserve global strategic stability.
United States: Some U.S. lawmakers and experts expressed strong opposition. Representative Dina Titus announced plans to introduce legislation to halt the testing. Daryl Kimball, director of the Arms Control Association, warned that the move could “trigger a chain reaction of nuclear testing by U.S. adversaries, and blow apart the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
Technical and Historical Perspective
It remains unclear whether Trump is referring to nuclear-explosive testing, which would be conducted underground under the National Nuclear Security Administration, or to flight tests of nuclear-capable missiles. Establishing new nuclear test sites will take time, with experts estimating at least 36 months before full underground testing could resume.
The United States last conducted explosive nuclear tests in 1992. Russia’s last confirmed nuclear test was in 1990, and China last tested in 1996. The nuclear era began in 1945 when the U.S. detonated a 20-kiloton atomic bomb in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and later dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, forcing Japan’s surrender in World War II.
Strategic Implications
Trump’s decision underscores growing nuclear tensions amid rapid military modernization by China and Russia. While intended as a show of strength, critics argue it risks igniting a new arms race. Beyond technical assessments, a U.S. test could be perceived internationally as an assertion of strategic dominance, potentially provoking retaliatory measures.
Despite the controversy, Trump remains focused on nuclear parity and arms control discussions. He stated that the U.S. is already engaging with Russia on nuclear limitations, and China could join future negotiations.
Closing Thoughts
As the world watches this unprecedented development, global leaders, experts, and citizens alike are grappling with the potential consequences. While some hail it as a necessary step to maintain national security, others warn it could destabilize the delicate balance of global nuclear power.
In these uncertain times, many are turning to prayer and hope for wisdom among world leaders to prevent escalation and ensure a safer future for humanity.
