Trump Orders Pentagon to Resume Nuclear Weapons Testing, Ending 30-Year US Policy

Trump's Directive on Nuclear Testing

• ⚡ President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to immediately begin nuclear weapons testing, reversing over three decades of US policy.
• 🎯 This decision was announced via a Truth Social post and has sent shockwaves through Washington and globally.

Rationale Behind the Decision

• ⚠️ The President cited the nuclear testing programs and growing stockpiles of other nations, specifically China and Russia, as the primary reasons for this move.
• 💬 Trump stated, "with others doing testing, I think it's appropriate that we do also."

International Reactions and Concerns

• 🚨 A Russian minister warned that renewed US nuclear testing could trigger a destabilizing chain reaction and accused Washington of undermining global strategic stability.
• 🚫 Russia denies testing nuclear weapons but stated they would do so if the US resumes its testing.

US History of Nuclear Testing

• 🇺🇸 The US has conducted over 1,000 explosive nuclear tests between 1945 and 1992.
• 🗓️ The last confirmed nuclear test by the United States was in 1992 under President George HW Bush, who announced a moratorium on underground nuclear testing.
• 📍 The US possesses the capability to resume tests at a federal site in Nevada.
• 📰 Press reports from May 2020 indicated discussions within the Trump administration about conducting an explosive test, a stance that has been reaffirmed by subsequent administrations.

Denuclearization Discussion

• 🕊️ President Trump mentioned discussions with Russia about complete denuclearization, which would include China if such an agreement were pursued.