Overview
- The president posted on Oct. 30 that he instructed the Pentagon to restart nuclear testing, then said on Oct. 31 that "we will do some tests" and that details would be apparent soon.
- It remains unclear whether he is referring to explosive underground detonations or to tests of missiles and other nuclear-capable systems.
- Explosive testing falls under the National Nuclear Security Administration rather than the Defense Department, and many NNSA personnel are reportedly furloughed due to a partial government shutdown.
- Richard Correll, the admiral nominated to lead U.S. Strategic Command, told a Senate hearing he would not assume the remarks meant explosive testing.
- Defense Secretary Hegses called the approach responsible without outlining specifics, and Congressional Research Service guidance notes the U.S. must maintain the ability to conduct an underground test within 36 months of a presidential decision.