Trump Orders Pentagon to Resume Nuclear Tests, First Since 1992
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has directed the Pentagon to begin testing nuclear weapons, marking the United States' first such tests since 1992. The directive, delivered from the U.S. military headquarters in South Korea, was framed as an effort to ensure parity with Russia and China, which have continued limited testing programs in recent years.
The United States halted nuclear explosive testing in the early 1990s after the end of the Cold War, entering a moratorium that has been maintained through successive administrations. Since then, the U.S. has relied on subcritical experiments and computer simulations to assess the reliability of its nuclear stockpile. In contrast, Russia has conducted a series of low‑yield tests, while China is believed to be expanding its own testing capabilities, prompting concerns in Washington about a possible erosion of strategic stability.
Military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the decision reflects a reassessment of deterrence requirements amid evolving geopolitical threats. They noted that the proposed tests would be limited in scope, designed to validate the performance of existing warhead designs rather than develop new capabilities. The Department of Energy, which oversees nuclear weapons science, is expected to coordinate closely with the Defense Department to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Policy analysts caution that restarting nuclear testing could have far‑reaching diplomatic repercussions. Some experts argue that the move may undermine existing arms control frameworks, such as the New START treaty, and could provoke reciprocal actions from rival powers. Others suggest it may be intended as a bargaining chip in future negotiations. The White House has not yet detailed a timeline for the tests or indicated how the results will influence the broader nuclear modernization program.
As the decision unfolds, international observers will watch for reactions from allies and adversaries alike. While the United States maintains that the tests are a defensive measure, the broader implications for global non‑proliferation efforts remain uncertain, and the issue is likely to dominate security discussions in the weeks ahead.
