Trump Directs Restart of U.S. Nuclear Weapons Testing
WASHINGTON – In a move escalating global tensions, former President Donald Trump has ordered the immediate resumption of U.S. nuclear weapons testing, reversing a decades-long moratorium. the directive, issued Wednesday, signals a sharp departure from previous administrations’ policies and comes amid heightened concerns over Russia’s growth of advanced nuclear weaponry.
The decision follows recent announcements from Moscow regarding triumphant tests of the Bourevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile – described by Vladimir Putin as having “unlimited reach” and capable of evading most defense systems – and the Poseidon underwater drone, wich Putin claims is unmatched in speed and depth and “no way to intercept.” Trump, reacting to Putin’s claims, publicly called on the Russian leader to “end the war in Ukraine,” but has now opted for a demonstrative response aimed at modernizing and validating the U.S. nuclear arsenal. The resumption of testing is intended to ensure the reliability of existing warheads and accelerate the development of new, more advanced nuclear technologies, according to sources within the administration.
The United States last conducted a nuclear weapons test in 1992. A global test ban, while not formally ratified by the U.S., has been largely observed since then. Breaking this longstanding norm raises fears of a new nuclear arms race and could prompt other nations to follow suit. The move will likely draw immediate condemnation from international allies and arms control advocates, who warn of the destabilizing effects of renewed nuclear testing. The administration has not yet announced the location or timeline for the tests, but officials indicate they will be conducted with a focus on minimizing environmental impact. The long-term implications of this decision remain uncertain, but it represents a important shift in U.S. nuclear policy and a direct response to perceived threats from Russia and other potential adversaries.
