U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the Defense Department to “immediately begin testing nuclear weapons on an equal basis with other nations.”
In a post on Truth Social ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, Trump said the move was necessary to maintain parity with Russia and China. The United States last conducted a confirmed nuclear test in 1992, after which a moratorium was imposed.
“Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis,” Trump wrote, adding that “the process will begin immediately.” 
Trump emphasized that the U.S. remains the world’s leading nuclear power but warned that China could catch up within five years. His announcement followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s confirmation of a successful test of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile.
The decision drew sharp criticism from Democrats, particularly lawmakers from Nevada, where U.S. nuclear tests were historically conducted. Senator Jacky Rosen vowed to oppose any return to explosive testing, calling it “unnecessary and dangerous.”
Rep. Dina Titus said she would introduce legislation to block the plan, citing Nevada’s May resolution urging the federal government to maintain the current moratorium.
Trump, however, defended the move as essential for deterrence, saying the U.S. must ensure its arsenal remains “fully capable and unmatched.”
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