The president cites Russia’s recent missile tests and China’s expanding nuclear capacities as reasons for the decision.
By Catholics for Catholics
In what could be the start of a modern arms race reminiscent of the Cold War, President Donald Trump said the United States will restart testing nuclear weapons, in response to similar actions by other countries like Russia or China.
Trump announced that he has ordered nuclear weapons testing “immediately,” saying he directed the Department of War to match other nations’ programs. He called the move a necessary step to keep global correspondence, according to Fox News.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote Wednesday night: “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! Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years,” Trump said. “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.”
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after a high-profile get together with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Trump said it was an answer to other nations’ recent actions.
At the direction of President Trump, the United States will resume testing of its nuclear weapons. This is peace through strength in action. Heritage Senior Research Fellow for Strategic Deterrence @RealBobPeters explains: pic.twitter.com/KxO8il36QS
— Heritage Foundation (@Heritage) October 31, 2025
“It had to do with others — they seemed to all be nuclear testing. We have more nuclear weapons than anybody. We don’t do testing. We halted it many years ago, but with others doing testing, I think it’s appropriate that we do also,” Trump said.
Trump also said he did not believe that restarting U.S. nuclear tests could make the global environment more perilous.
“I don’t think so. I think we have it pretty well locked up,” he said. “But we have more than anybody, and I see them testing. I say, well, they’re testing, we have to test too. I’d like to see a deneutralization … because we have so many. Russia’s second and China’s third. China will catch up within four or five years. I think de-escalation, or denuclearization, would be tremendous. We’re actually talking to Russia about that, and China would be added to that if we do something.”
Trump’s announcement came after Russia’s recent missile tests, which included an alleged missile capable of travelling 8,400 miles. Trump warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that the U.S. has a nuclear submarine stationed “right off their shores.”
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