Trump Orders Pentagon to Resume Nuclear Weapons Testing

Overview

• The announcement did not specify whether testing would include explosive detonations or remain limited to subcritical experiments.
• Nevada’s congressional delegation vowed to block any tests in the state, with Rep. Dina Titus preparing legislation to halt the directive.
• Defense Secretary Pit Hegset said resuming tests would help ensure the reliability of the U.S. deterrent and reduce the risk of nuclear conflict.
• Former test-site staff and specialists told The Washington Post that the Nevada site needs major repairs and skilled workers, and that the United States has relied on subcritical experiments and modeling since the last full test in 1992.
• Russia’s envoy in Vienna called for clarification and noted other states are not conducting explosive tests under CTBT norms, while a German politician urged removal of U.S. nuclear weapons from Germany and the mayor of Nagasaki condemned the move.