Trump says U.S. will 'immediately' begin testing nuclear weapons
by Adam Schrader · UPIOct. 29 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the United States would "immediately" begin testing its nuclear weapons arsenal.
"The United States has more nuclear weapons than any other country," Trump claimed on his Truth Social platform.
"This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my first term in office. Because of the tremendous destructive power, I hated to do it, but had no choice!"
As of September 2023, the U.S. nuclear stockpile consisted of 3,748 warheads, according to the National Nuclear Energy Administration. Meanwhile, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists estimates Russia to have 5,460 and China to have 600.
It was not immediately clear what Trump is referencing from his first term in office, but the United States has an ongoing program to modernize its nuclear arsenal by replacing or refurbishing warheads and delivery systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, bombers and submarines.
Trump claimed in his post that China, a distant third with its nuclear arsenal, would have as many nuclear weapons as the United States within five years.
"Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis," Trump said, referring to the U.S. Defense Department.
"That process will begin immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Testing nuclear weapons would mark a significant change in U.S. nuclear policy in decades. According to the Library of Congress, the United States has observed a voluntary moratorium on nuclear explosive testing since 1992.