Overview
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright said planned activities are system or non-critical tests focused on non-nuclear components, not explosive detonations.
- The Pentagon says it is moving quickly on the president’s order and will coordinate with the Department of Energy to carry out the testing plan.
- Officials have announced no timetable for any explosive testing as the U.S. continues a moratorium on nuclear detonations that has held since 1992.
- In a CBS interview, President Trump alleged Russia, China, North Korea and Pakistan conduct secret nuclear tests, a claim contradicted by public records and flagged by lawmakers and experts.
- Russia reiterated it has not conducted nuclear blasts but warned it would resume explosive tests if the U.S. does, while scientists and former officials called explosive testing unnecessary and destabilizing.