Trump Orders U.S. Nuclear Tests to Resume After 30 Years

For the first time in over three decades, the United States is set to resume nuclear weapons testing after President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to begin preparations immediately.

The decision reverses a long-standing U.S. moratorium in place since 1992 and comes amid rising tensions with both Russia and China over expanding nuclear programs. Trump announced the move on social media just before departing for South Korea, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying America must “test on an equal basis.”

The United States currently holds about 5,225 nuclear warheads—second only to Russia’s estimated 5,580—while China’s arsenal has nearly doubled in five years and could exceed 1,000 by 2030, according to the Arms Control Association.

Russia recently tested new nuclear-capable systems, including the Poseidon underwater drone and a long-range cruise missile. The renewed testing order arrives roughly 100 days before the New START Treaty between Washington and Moscow expires in February 2026—the last remaining nuclear-arms-control pact between the two powers.

The Nevada Test Site, where the U.S. last detonated a nuclear device in 1992, may once again become active if the plan proceeds.