WASHINGTON, USA — President Donald Trump said Wednesday, October 29, 2025, that he has instructed U.S. military leaders to restart nuclear weapons testing, signalling a dramatic shift in long-standing American policy and raising concerns about a new global arms race.
In a social media post published just before his arrival in South Korea for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said the move was necessary to match nuclear weapons programmes in Russia and China.
“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.
He described China as a “distant third” behind the United States and Russia in nuclear capability but warned that Beijing’s nuclear programme “will be even within 5 years.”
The United States has not conducted a nuclear weapons test since 1992, when then-President George H.W. Bush imposed a moratorium as the Cold War ended.
Trump acknowledged the “tremendous destructive power” of nuclear weapons but argued he had “no choice” but to upgrade America’s arsenal.
Trump’s call comes days after he condemned Russia for testing a nuclear-powered missile reportedly capable of flying indefinitely.
The statement appeared intended to demonstrate toughness ahead of his first face-to-face meeting with Xi since 2019.
His post did not offer details on how or when nuclear tests would take place, but he said the “process will begin immediately.”
Trump made the announcement aboard Marine One en route to Gimhae International Airport, where he greeted Xi on his arrival.
The timing underscored the high-stakes backdrop of the meeting, with Washington and Beijing already at odds over technology, security, and global influence.
The last U.S. nuclear test — code-named Divider — took place on 23 September 1992 at the Nevada Test Site, the 1,054th nuclear test conducted by the United States.
The underground facility remains under federal control, and the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History notes that it could be activated again “if deemed necessary.”
Analysts say a decision to resume testing would represent a historic reversal and could prompt similar moves by nuclear-armed rivals, undermining global non-proliferation efforts.
The White House did not immediately provide additional details or respond to questions on whether allies or international bodies had been consulted ahead of the announcement.
