Trump Orders Nuclear Test Resumption, Cites Secret Foreign Activity

Donald Trump has issued a directive for the United States to resume nuclear testing, a move he claims is a necessary response to clandestine activities by other nations. The order, which Trump states is a counter to secret foreign tests, has ignited widespread confusion and drawn a sharp, immediate denial from China. The full implications of this directive on the long-standing U.S. moratorium on nuclear explosions remain unclear.
The confusion largely stems from a social media post where Trump instructed the “Department of War” to “start testing.” Observers and officials are uncertain whether this directive refers to advanced computational modeling and simulations or if it greenlights the first physical detonation of a U.S. nuclear weapon since 1992.
In a CBS interview, Trump justified the move by accusing U.S. rivals of conducting their own tests in secret. “Russia’s testing, and China’s testing, but they don’t talk about it,” he stated. He further alleged that these foreign tests were being conducted “way underground,” supposedly hiding them from international detection.
China’s foreign ministry wasted no time in refuting this accusation. A spokesperson categorically denied the claim, stating that Beijing is a “responsible nuclear-weapons state.” The official emphasized that China has always “abided by its commitment to suspend nuclear testing.”
This new order was issued shortly after Russia reportedly tested a new nuclear-powered cruise missile. Trump also took the opportunity to praise the strength of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, claiming it was the largest and most powerful in the world.