Overview
- Trump announced the directive shortly before meeting China’s Xi in Busan, instructing the so‑called Department of War to begin testing “on equal terms” with Russia and China.
- Reporters and experts say it is unclear whether he meant explosive warhead tests or trials of delivery systems, noting the United States last detonated a nuclear device in 1992 and North Korea did so in 2017.
- A Congressional Research Service assessment cited in coverage estimates roughly 24–36 months to carry out an explosive test, which would fall under DOE/NNSA authority and require significant Nevada site preparation.
- The Kremlin said recent Russian Burevestnik and Poseidon activities were weapons-system tests, not nuclear detonations, as China and the United Nations urged adherence to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
- After the post, Trump told reporters his goal is denuclearization and said he is discussing the issue with Russia and hopes China will participate, while arms‑control analysts warned renewed U.S. testing could spur others to follow.