Trump orders resumption of U.S. nuclear weapons testing

U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, citing intensifying competition with Russia and China.

Announcing the decision ahead of his scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, Trump said on Truth Social that while he “hated to do it,” he was left with “no choice” given the growing global arsenals.

The president claimed the United States currently possesses more nuclear weapons than any other nation, following what he described as a full modernization during his first term. Trump said the Department of War would begin testing “on an equal basis” with other countries immediately.

The United States has not conducted a nuclear test since 1992, when Congress imposed a moratorium.

During Trump’s first term, officials reportedly debated lifting that ban after Washington accused Moscow and Beijing of carrying out covert low-yield nuclear tests — allegations both denied.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates the US holds 5,177 warheads, compared to Russia’s 5,459 and China’s projected 1,500 by 2035. The move follows recent weapons demonstrations, including US Minuteman III and Trident II missile tests and Russia’s launch of its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile.