Overview
- Speaking to reporters on Oct. 31, President Trump said the United States intends to conduct “some tests” after publicly directing a resumption of nuclear testing.
- It remains unclear whether he meant underground explosive nuclear detonations, subcritical experiments, or tests of delivery systems such as missiles.
- Explosive testing in the United States would fall to the National Nuclear Security Administration, not the Defense Department, with reports noting NNSA staffing furloughs during a partial government shutdown.
- Strategic Command nominee Richard Correll declined to assume the remarks meant explosive tests, Defense Secretary Hegseth offered no specifics, and CRS notes the U.S. must be able to conduct an underground test within 36 months of a presidential decision.
- International and domestic pushback grew as Hiroshima survivor groups and the Pugwash conference in Hiroshima voiced alarm, and Russia warned it would take corresponding action.