US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will resume nuclear weapons testing if other countries continue their own, ending more than three decades of restraint in the country’s nuclear testing policy.
Trump made the statement while en route to a trade meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “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.” His comments signal a sharp shift in Washington’s nuclear stance and appear to be directed at both Russia and China, who have reportedly carried out advanced weapons tests in recent months.
When asked aboard Air Force One whether the US planned underground nuclear explosions, Trump replied, “You’ll find out very soon, but we’re going to do some testing. Other countries do it. If they’re going to do it, we’re going to do it, okay?” His remarks have sparked international concern over the potential escalation of nuclear tensions.
Experts warn that such a decision could undermine the global ban on nuclear testing and reignite a dangerous arms race among major powers. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), signed in 1996, prohibits all nuclear explosions, but the US and several other countries, including Russia and China, have not ratified it.
Russia and China have yet to officially respond to Trump’s comments, though Moscow previously denied conducting nuclear explosive tests. Analysts believe the announcement could complicate ongoing global efforts toward nuclear disarmament and stability.
The US has not conducted a nuclear test since 1992. Trump’s directive, if implemented, would mark a major reversal in policy and could provoke strong opposition from lawmakers and global allies. “The president’s statement speaks for itself,” said Vice President J.D. Vance, adding that ensuring the reliability of the US nuclear arsenal remains a priority.