30-10-2025

Trump Orders Resumption of US Nuclear Weapons Testing

Date: 30-10-2025
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cnbc.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | foxnews.com: 1 | nypost.com: 1 | nytimes.com: 1 | theguardian.com: 1 | washingtonpost.com: 3
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Image Prompt:

A dramatic representation of a nuclear test explosion with a divided background showing flags of the US, Russia, and China.

Summary

US President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, citing the need to keep pace with Russia and China, marking a significant shift in US nuclear policy after over 30 years of moratorium.

Key Points

  • Trump announced the resumption of nuclear testing on social media ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
  • The US has not conducted nuclear weapons testing since 1992.
  • The decision is in response to perceived advancements by Russia and China in their nuclear capabilities.
  • Experts warn that resuming nuclear testing could trigger a chain reaction and escalate global tensions.
  • The move has implications for the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New Start) set to expire in February 2026.

Articles in this Cluster

Trump says nuclear weapons testing to resume in US after more than 30 years

US President Donald Trump announced on social media that he has directed the Department of War to resume nuclear weapons testing in the US, citing the need to keep pace with other countries like Russia and China. The US has not conducted nuclear weapons testing since 1992. Trump's statement came just before meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea and days after he denounced Russia for testing a nuclear-powered missile. The move marks a reversal of a long-standing US policy and has implications for the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New Start) set to expire in February 2026.
Entities: Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Russia, China, United StatesTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, citing rival nations’ programs

US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, citing the actions of rival nations such as Russia and China. Trump claimed that the US has the largest nuclear arsenal, contradicting independent data that shows Russia leads in total warheads. The decision comes after reports that Russia successfully tested a Poseidon nuclear-powered super torpedo. The US has not conducted a live nuclear test since 1992. Trump's announcement was made on Truth Social and during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Entities: Donald Trump, Pentagon, Russia, China, Xi JinpingTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump instructs Pentagon to start testing nuclear weapons ‘on an equal basis’ with Russia and China | CNN PoliticsClose icon

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has instructed the Pentagon to start testing nuclear weapons 'on an equal basis' with Russia and China. This move signals a potential major shift in US policy, as the country has observed a voluntary moratorium on nuclear explosive testing since 1992. Trump's announcement came after Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russia had successfully tested its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, and North Korea stated that it was taking steps to strengthen its 'nuclear combat posture.' The US Navy conducted four tests of its nuclear-capable Trident missiles in September, and China has constructed new complexes for launching ballistic missiles and test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean in 2024. Experts had previously warned that the world's nuclear powers might resume nuclear testing, citing new facilities and tunnels built at their nuclear test sites.
Entities: Donald Trump, Russia, China, Pentagon, USTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Putin claims 'huge success' testing Poseidon nuclear underwater drone | Fox News

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia successfully tested its Poseidon nuclear-capable underwater drone, calling it a 'huge success' and a major step in the country's strategic weapons program. The Poseidon is designed to travel across oceans at high speeds using nuclear propulsion and carry a massive warhead. US President Donald Trump responded to the test, criticizing Putin for focusing on missile development instead of ending the war in Ukraine. Trump also highlighted the US's own nuclear capabilities, stating that the US has 'a nuclear submarine right off their coast.' The test has raised concerns in the West, with the US and NATO officials not independently confirming the Poseidon test.
Entities: Vladimir Putin, Russia, Poseidon, Donald Trump, UkraineTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump orders Pentagon to ‘immediately’ restart nuclear weapons testing for first time in 33 years to compete with Russia, China

President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to 'immediately' restart nuclear weapons testing for the first time in 33 years, citing the growing nuclear arsenals of Russia and China. Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, stating that the US has not tested a nuclear explosive since 1992 and that the decision is in response to the testing programs of other countries. The move has been met with criticism from experts, who argue that it would take at least 36 months to resume contained nuclear tests and could trigger a chain reaction of nuclear testing by US adversaries.
Entities: Donald Trump, Russia, China, Vladimir Putin, United StatesTone: positiveSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump Threatens to Resume Nuclear Weapons Testing, Minutes Before Xi Meeting - The New York Times

President Trump threatened to resume nuclear weapons testing on social media just before meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing other countries' testing programs. The threat comes as the US is modernizing its nuclear arsenal and amid rising tensions with Russia and China. The last major nuclear arms control treaty between the US and Russia, New START, is set to expire in 100 days, and it's unclear if talks for a replacement treaty will begin.
Entities: Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, China, Russia, United StatesTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump directs Pentagon to match Russia and China in nuclear weapons testing | Donald Trump | The Guardian

US President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to start testing nuclear weapons 'on an equal basis' with other nuclear powers, specifically citing Russia and China, in a post on Truth Social. The move comes ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. The US last conducted a full nuclear test in 1992, and it is unclear what kind of testing Trump is referring to. Russia has recently conducted nuclear-powered weapons tests, including a Burevestnik cruise missile and a Poseidon nuclear-powered super torpedo. Trump's post also falsely claimed that the US has more nuclear weapons than any other country. The move has been met with opposition, with Nevada congresswoman Dina Titus stating she will introduce legislation to stop it.
Entities: Donald Trump, Pentagon, Russia, China, Xi JinpingTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

A look at past nuclear weapons tests in Russia, China and the U.S. - The Washington Post

President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to begin testing nuclear weapons 'on an equal basis' with Russia and China, sparking uncertainty over the decades-old U.S. moratorium on such tests. The move marks a significant shift in U.S. nuclear policy, potentially escalating tensions with Russia and China. Trump made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that the U.S. would resume nuclear testing to match the testing activities of its geopolitical rivals. The decision has raised concerns among experts and could have far-reaching implications for global nuclear disarmament efforts. The U.S. last conducted a nuclear test in 1992.
Entities: Donald Trump, Pentagon, Russia, China, United StatesTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump directs nuclear testing plans ahead of meeting with China’s Xi - The Washington Post

President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to begin testing nuclear weapons 'on an equal basis' with Russia and China ahead of a high-stakes trade meeting with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. The decision has been met with widespread criticism, with many describing it as reckless and dangerous. Trump made the comments on Thursday morning, apparently attempting to flex the United States' military might. The move comes as Trump and Xi are set to meet in Gyeongju, South Korea, for a high-stakes trade meeting. Critics have expressed alarm and disbelief at Trump's decision, questioning his competence and stability.
Entities: Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Pentagon, Russia, ChinaTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump says South Korea will be able to build nuclear-powered submarine - The Washington Post

President Donald Trump has authorized South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine, granting the country access to advanced military technology. The decision has been met with criticism and skepticism from commenters, who suggest that it was influenced by superficial gestures. The move is seen as a significant development in the region's military capabilities.
Entities: Donald Trump, South Korea, Pentagon, China, XiTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform