In a move that has sent shockwaves through global defense circles, President Donald Trump has ordered the United States military to resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time in more than 30 years. The directive, announced ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, marks a historic shift in American nuclear policy.
“Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis,” Trump wrote on his Truth social media, emphasizing the need to maintain parity with Russia and China.
The U.S. last conducted a nuclear test on September 23, 1992, at the Nevada Test Site under the project codenamed Divider. The moratorium that followed, implemented during the post–Cold War era, effectively ended live nuclear detonations in the United States.
Trump justified the decision by warning that “other nations are not standing still.” He cited Russia’s and China’s recent nuclear programs, saying he had “no choice” but to modernize and expand America’s arsenal. “China’s nuclear programme will be even within 5 years,” he added.
The announcement follows reports that Russia successfully tested two new weapons capable of carrying nuclear warheads, including an underwater drone known as Poseidon, designed to generate radioactive ocean swells. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed the drone’s nuclear reactor is “100 times smaller” than those used in submarines.
Analysts say Trump’s order could reignite a new era of nuclear competition among the world’s superpowers. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China has doubled its nuclear stockpile in the past five years and could exceed 1,000 warheads by 2030.
The Arms Control Association estimates the U.S. currently holds about 5,225 warheads, compared to Russia’s 5,580. Despite the U.S. advantage, both nations are bound by the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which limits deployed warheads to 1,550 each. The treaty is due to expire in February 2026 — roughly 100 days from now.
Experts warn that resuming tests could undermine the global arms control framework established since the Cold War. However, Trump has long argued that “peace through strength” remains the only effective deterrent.
The Nevada Test Site, located about 65 miles north of Las Vegas, remains under U.S. government operation and could be reauthorized if deemed necessary. According to the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, “If deemed necessary, the site could be authorized again for nuclear weapons testing.”
