On Wednesday night, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States will start testing nuclear weapons right away.
Trump highlighted that the United States has more nuclear weapons than any other country, but warned that rivals are catching up.
“This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my First Term in office,” he wrote. “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.”
He explained why he made the order. “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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
New: Trump says he has instructed the Defense Department to “immediately” begin testing U.S. nuclear weapons. https://t.co/KMRqXf4NEm pic.twitter.com/CCH6xgJedX
— Anthony Adragna (@AnthonyAdragna) October 30, 2025
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The announcement is unusual. The United States has observed a voluntary moratorium on nuclear explosive testing since 1992. Technically, tests could resume, but the country has relied on programs to make sure the nuclear arsenal stays safe and effective.
During Trump’s first term, officials reportedly debated conducting an explosive test but ultimately did not. The Biden administration has also upheld the moratorium. In 2024, the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administrator said the U.S. had “no technical reasons” to conduct nuclear tests.
The country has a long history with nuclear testing, conducting over 1,000 explosive tests between 1945 and 1992. Lawmakers later set up programs to help those whose health may have been affected by these tests.
Trump framed his order as a reaction to other nations, citing “other countries testing programs” and emphasizing words like “HATED to do it” and “immediately” to make it sound urgent.
The U.S. already has a massive stockpile of nuclear weapons, so the move seems more for show than necessity. Even just talking about new tests could increase tensions and push other nations to respond in kind.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
