US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has directed the Department of Defense to commence nuclear weapons testing immediately, marking the first such explosions in 33 years and effectively dismantling a longstanding moratorium in place since 1992. In a post on his social media platform, Trump emphasized the need for the United States to test "on an equal basis" in response to active nuclear programs by adversaries, specifically citing Russia's recent high-profile trials of advanced systems like the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and Poseidon nuclear-armed torpedo. This directive underscores Trump's assertive stance on national security, positioning the move as essential to maintaining American superiority amid evolving global threats.

Trump highlighted the US's purported dominance in nuclear capabilities, stating, "The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country," while claiming credit for a "complete update and renovation" of the existing arsenal during his first term. He expressed reluctance over the decision, noting, "Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice!" The announcement comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with Trump warning that China, currently a "distant third" in nuclear stockpiles, could achieve parity "even within 5 years." Arms control experts, including those from the Federation of American Scientists, dispute Trump's claim of US supremacy, estimating that Russia maintains the largest inventory, with the US holding nearly 90% of the world's total alongside its rival.

The decision to resume testing represents a seismic shift in US non-proliferation policy, potentially unraveling decades of international restraint and cooperation on arms control. The 1992 moratorium had been a cornerstone of global efforts to curb nuclear proliferation, supported by treaties like the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, which the US signed but has not ratified. By invoking parity with other nations' activities, Trump's order could prompt reciprocal escalations, straining diplomatic relations and reviving Cold War-era dynamics. Critics fear it may encourage allies and adversaries alike to accelerate their own programs, complicating ongoing negotiations on strategic stability.

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This development arrives shortly after Trump's return to office in January 2025, aligning with his administration's emphasis on military modernization and deterrence. The Department of Defense has yet to release specifics on timelines, test sites—likely reverting to Nevada's historical facilities—or the scope of initial detonations, but sources indicate preparations could begin within weeks. The announcement has already drawn scrutiny from international observers, who view it as a provocative signal in an era of renewed great-power competition.

As the world braces for potential fallout, Trump's move reaffirms his "peace through strength" doctrine, betting that renewed testing will safeguard US interests against perceived encroachments by Russia and China. Whether this catalyzes a new arms race or forces concessions at the negotiating table remains uncertain, but it unequivocally alters the nuclear landscape, compelling global powers to reassess their postures in an increasingly volatile security environment.

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