Overview
- President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that he ordered U.S. nuclear weapons tests "on par" with other countries and that the process would begin immediately.
- The Nevada test range directed inquiries about any preparations to the National Nuclear Security Administration, which has not responded to RIA Novosti’s request.
- Senator Tom Cotton said the announced activity likely means small underground controlled detonations intended to demonstrate resolve toward Russia and China.
- Senator Jack Reed called a return to testing a strategic mistake that could break a moratorium observed since the 1990s and encourage Russia, China, Pakistan, India, and North Korea to expand programs.
- Reed also noted that any testing activity is overseen by the Energy Department’s NNSA rather than the Pentagon, highlighting uncertainty over how the order would be executed.