Trump Orders Immediate Restart of Nuclear Testing

President Trump announced on Truth Social that he has instructed the Department of Defense (which he referred to as the “Department of War”) to immediately resume U.S. nuclear weapons testing, ending the voluntary moratorium that has been in place since 1992. He framed the move as a response to perceived advances by Russia and China — citing recent Russian tests of a nuclear-capable torpedo and a purported nuclear-powered cruise missile — and reiterated his claim that the U.S. arsenal was substantially renovated during his first term. The declaration came minutes before a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. Some reports say the phrase “on an equal basis” and other language from the announcement may point to demonstrations of capability rather than explosive detonations, casting doubt on earlier reporting that U.S. tests would involve limited controlled detonations at the Nevada National Security Site. The announcement has prompted international concern from foreign governments and disarmament advocates, and officials and experts are continuing to assess the scope and intent of the order as a developing story.