Trump orders Pentagon to begin nuclear weapons testing in response to Putin

U.S. President Donald Trump said he has ordered the Pentagon to immediately begin nuclear weapons testing, citing recent Russian and Chinese programs.

“Because of the testing programs in other countries, I have directed the Department of Defense to begin testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis. This process will start immediately,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump said the United States possesses more nuclear weapons than any other nation and noted that he modernized the arsenal during his first term.

The statement came days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced tests of a nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik, and the Poseidon underwater drone.

The United States last conducted a full-scale nuclear test in 1992, while the Soviet Union’s final test took place in 1990. Both countries later limited themselves to testing delivery systems such as missiles and bombers.

Trump’s remarks sparked concern among arms control experts, who warned that renewed testing could undermine the global ban under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which Washington has signed but not ratified.