Trump Orders Pentagon to Test Nuclear Weapons Immediately

President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will “immediately” resume nuclear weapons testing, a move he said is needed to ensure the country keeps up with rival nuclear powers, Davis Winkie and Swapna Venugopal Ramswamy reported for USA Today.

As of September 2023, the U.S. nuclear stockpile consisted of 3,748 warheads. (Photo: United States Department of Energy) 

In a Truth Social post, Trump touted progress made on nuclear weapons modernization during his first term. But he warned that China’s nuclear weapons buildup will place Beijing’s arsenal on equal footing with those of the United States and Russia “within 5 years.”

He added: “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.”

As of September 2023, the U.S. nuclear stockpile consisted of 3,748 warheads, according to the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Meanwhile, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) estimates Russia to have 5,460 and China to have 600, Adam Schrader reported for United Press International (UPI).

It was not clear what Trump was referencing from his first term in office, but the U.S. has an ongoing program to modernize its nuclear arsenal by replacing or refurbishing warheads and delivery systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, bombers, and submarines.