Key Facts
• October 29, 2025: Trump directed military leaders to resume nuclear weapons testing.
• Last U.S. nuclear test occurred on September 23, 1992, in Nevada.
• Trump cited actions by Russia and China as reasons for the decision.
• The U.S. possesses the largest nuclear arsenal globally, followed by Russia and China.
• Trump criticized Russia’s recent test of a nuclear-powered missile with unlimited range.
• He claimed China could match U.S. nuclear capabilities within five years.
• The directive was announced before a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
• Testing process to begin immediately, though specific methods were not disclosed.
• The Nevada Test Site, used for past tests, remains federally managed and could be reactivated.
• The 1992 test, codenamed “Divider,” was the 1,054th U.S. nuclear test.
Summary
U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed military leaders to resume nuclear weapons testing, marking a significant policy shift after a 30-year pause. The decision, announced on October 29, 2025, aligns with perceived threats from Russia and China. Trump emphasized the U.S.’s nuclear superiority, noting that China could close the gap within five years. The last U.S. nuclear test occurred in 1992 at the Nevada Test Site, which remains federally managed and could be reactivated. The announcement came ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. While details on testing methods remain unclear, Trump stated the process would begin immediately.
