Trump declares US will restart nuclear testing, breaking decades-old ban

 October 31, 2025

President Donald Trump just dropped a bombshell that’s got the world buzzing and the left clutching their pearls. On Wednesday, while in South Korea, Trump took to Truth Social to announce that the United States will “immediately” resume nuclear weapons testing, shattering a policy that has stood firm since 1992, as the Washington Times reports. This isn’t just a policy shift; it’s a geopolitical thunderclap.

Here’s the crux: Trump’s decision to restart testing comes amid escalating tensions with Russia and China, made just hours before a critical face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Gimahe International Airport.

Let’s rewind to Monday, when Trump, speaking to reporters on Air Force One, fired a verbal warning shot at Russian President Vladimir Putin. He reminded everyone that American nuclear submarines are positioned “right off their shores,” a pointed response to Russia’s recent missile tests. This wasn’t idle chatter; it was a clear signal that the U.S. isn’t sitting on its hands.

Trump’s Bold Stance on Nuclear Power

“I know we have a nuclear submarine, the greatest in the world, right off their shores,” Trump told reporters. “So, I mean, it doesn’t have to go 8,000 miles, and they’re not playing games with us.”

Now, let’s unpack that -- Trump’s not just flexing muscle here; he’s drawing a line in the sand while Russia parades its latest toys. Putin, after all, boasted on Sunday about testing the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, and by Wednesday, he was crowing over the Poseidon torpedo, calling it a “huge success” during a Moscow hospital visit. Trump’s message? We see you, and we’re not backing down.

Then came Wednesday’s bombshell on Truth Social, where Trump doubled down on America’s nuclear dominance. He stressed that the U.S. arsenal outstrips any other nation’s, thanks to upgrades from his first term. This isn’t bragging -- it’s a reminder of why testing matters when rivals are closing the gap.

Reversing a 1992 Policy Freeze

“Because of the tremendous destructive power, I hated to do it, but I had no choice!” Trump declared on Truth Social. “Russia is second and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years.”

Here’s the rub: Trump’s right to point out that China’s nuclear capabilities are on a fast track to match ours within half a decade. Ignoring that while Russia tests apocalyptic weapons like the Poseidon -- capable of radioactive ocean swells, per Putin -- isn’t just naive; it’s dangerous. The 1992 ban, set by President George H.W. Bush, feels like a relic in today’s world.

Still, details on what this resumed testing entails remain scarce. Trump didn’t elaborate on Truth Social or during his South Korea stopover, and he sidestepped reporters’ questions at the meeting with Xi. That opacity might frustrate some, but it also keeps adversaries guessing.

Geopolitical Chess with High Stakes

Timing matters, and Trump’s announcement -- just before his first in-person meeting with Xi since imposing hefty tariffs on China -- feels like a calculated power play. This isn’t just about nukes; it’s about signaling strength when trade and military tensions are already sky-high. The left might call it reckless, but others see it as a necessary wake-up call.

Meanwhile, Russia’s actions add fuel to the fire. Putin’s Poseidon test, which he described as having a novel nuclear propulsion system, isn’t just a tech demo -- it’s a threat of environmental catastrophe via radioactive waves. That’s not a game anyone should be playing.

Trump’s critics will no doubt scream about escalating tensions, but let’s be real: sitting idly by while adversaries advance isn’t peace; it’s surrender. The progressive agenda often seems allergic to hard power, yet history shows that strength deters aggression. This move, while bold, aims to keep America ahead in a dangerous race.

A Necessary Response or Risky Gamble?

Still, there’s room for concern -- nuclear testing isn’t a backyard barbecue; it’s a global lightning rod. The lack of specifics on how this will roll out leaves questions hanging, and the international community will be watching with bated breath.

Trump’s decision also forces a hard look at outdated policies. While some will decry this as saber-rattling, others will see it as a long-overdue stand against complacency when rivals aren’t slowing down.

At the end of the day, restarting testing after decades of restraint is a gut punch to the status quo. It’s a reminder that national security isn’t a polite debate club -- it’s a high-stakes chessboard where hesitation can cost everything.

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