Trump Alleges Foreign Tests, Orders Non‑Nuclear System Tests

President Trump accused Russia, China, Pakistan and North Korea of secretly conducting underground nuclear tests and directed U.S. authorities to “resume” testing, language that sparked international concern and confusion over whether he meant explosive detonations or component checks. Energy Secretary Chris Wright clarified the planned activity would be system or “noncritical” tests of weapon components — not nuclear explosions — and officials said the public should not expect mushroom clouds or underground detonations. China and Pakistan denied the allegations, and experts note only North Korea has conducted an actual nuclear detonation since the 1990s. Critics warn the vague order could erode long‑standing testing moratoria, encourage an arms race, and raise legal and policy questions tied to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. The United States last conducted an explosive nuclear test in 1992, and current stockpile stewardship relies on computer simulations, experiments and diagnostics rather than live detonations.