Trump directs Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons test
(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons tests, citing strategic competition with Russia and China, according to reports. The announcement came ahead of his scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, on Thursday.
“The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country. This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my First Term in office. Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
He added, “Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years. Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately.”
The US has maintained a nuclear testing moratorium since 1992, as mandated by Congress. Reports indicate that Trump’s cabinet previously discussed reversing the moratorium amid allegations that China and Russia had conducted secret underground low-yield nuclear tests, claims both countries denied.
According to estimates by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the US possesses 5,177 nuclear warheads, Russia has 5,459, and China is projected to reach 1,500 by 2035.
Recent US tests included an unarmed nuclear-capable Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in February and the launch of four Trident II missiles from a submarine in September. Earlier this month, Russia test-fired its Burevestnik cruise missile, powered by a small nuclear reactor, giving it virtually unlimited range.
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