Trump Orders Pentagon to Immediately Resume Nuclear Weapons Testing to Match Russia and China

President Donald Trump announced that he has directed the Pentagon to immediately resume U.S. nuclear weapons testing on an equal basis with Russia and China.

“Amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the successful test of the Burevestnik missile on October 21”

ABC News - Breaking News

He framed the move as necessary to match other nuclear powers.

ABC News - Breaking News

Multiple outlets report the announcement was made via Truth Social and ahead of his meeting with China’s Xi Jinping in South Korea.

Several sources describe this as the first U.S. nuclear tests since 1992.

Some coverage emphasizes the immediacy of the order and its symbolism before the Xi meeting, while others portray it more cautiously.

Trump also asserted that the U.S. has the largest nuclear arsenal.

Some sources contextualize this claim by noting independent tallies that place Russia slightly ahead.

Coverage links Trump’s directive to recent Russian nuclear demonstrations and China’s rapid arsenal growth.

France 24 and The News International highlight Russia’s tests of the Poseidon nuclear-powered torpedo and Burevestnik cruise missile.

Asianet Newsable

Several Asian and Western outlets note projections that China could approach parity in nuclear capabilities in the coming years.

Some sources emphasize advanced Russian capabilities and their strategic shock value.

Others focus on the geopolitical context surrounding Trump’s pre-summit signaling before meeting Xi in South Korea.

Reactions to the return to explosive testing are sharply divided.

“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized to European leaders the need for stable financial support for Ukraine, stating that while Ukraine does not intend to fight for decades, sustained aid is crucial”

BBC

ProCapitas and Syracuse report international condemnation led by China, warnings from arms control experts, and strong opposition from Japanese atomic bomb survivors.

The News International highlights NATO's concern and the risks posed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

EurAsian Times describes the resumption of testing as reckless and likely to trigger a broader arms race amid expanding global arsenals.

Several accounts emphasize that resuming testing would reverse decades of U.S. non-proliferation practice and could undermine Washington’s credibility.

Several outlets highlight Trump’s simultaneous deterrence messaging and political theater.

Fox News reports he warned Vladimir Putin about a U.S. nuclear submarine near Russian shores and hinted at new sanctions.

BBC

Türkiye Today emphasizes Trump’s criticism of Putin for focusing on weapons tests rather than ending the Ukraine war.

SOFREP notes criticism that Trump conflated missile tests with nuclear detonations but also says he reaffirmed support for denuclearization.

Mint adds the Kremlin’s response that weapons development serves national security, while acknowledging U.S. military presence near Russia.

Legal and procedural details remain murky even as outlets agree the U.S. has not conducted a live nuclear test since 1992.

“Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the successful test of the Poseidon torpedo, an automatic, submarine-launched nuclear weapon capable of generating radioactive waves that can make coastal cities uninhabitable”

Bhaskar English

ProCapitas stresses that resuming tests would end a 33-year voluntary moratorium aligned with the CTBT, which Washington never ratified.

Bhaskar English

The Washington Post notes no timeline was provided, and PTC News says specifics are unclear, even as some outlets emphasize Trump’s call for immediate action.

BBC’s write-up reflects Trump’s own phrasing in invoking the “Department of War,” illustrating unusual terminology alongside claims of U.S. arsenal primacy.