Donald Trump has announced that he’s ordering the Department of War to begin testing America’s nuclear weapons again, saying the U.S. must “maintain equality” with other countries running similar programs.
In a post shared on his social media account, Trump said the United States now holds more nuclear weapons than any other nation; crediting his first term in office for updating and renovating the arsenal. He claimed this move was necessary, even though he “hated to do it,” arguing that Russia and China’s growing nuclear capabilities forced his hand.
Trump stated that Russia ranks second in nuclear power, while China is a “distant third,” but predicted that China could catch up within five years. Citing these developments, Trump said he has instructed the Department of War to resume testing on “an equal basis,” insisting the process will begin immediately.
The statement sparked swift reactions online, with many questioning the potential risks of restarting nuclear testing programs that have been largely dormant for decades. Historically, the U.S. ended full-scale nuclear tests in the early 1990s under global non-proliferation agreements, shifting instead to simulation and maintenance programs.
