Here's Why Trump’s Call For Nuke Tests Shocked Washington, Revived Cold War Fears

Last Updated:October 31, 2025, 12:51 IST

Donald Trump’s sudden social media post calling for nuclear tests also featured during US Navy Vice Admiral Richard Correll’s confirmation hearing.

Trump’s call to “start testing nuclear weapons” has unsettled Washington, raising fears of a new arms race with Russia and China. (IMAGE: News18)

US President Donald Trump’s social media post calling to “start testing our Nuclear Weapons" so that the US does not fall behind Russia and China sent shockwaves across Washington’s corridors of power.

From affecting confirmation hearings to alarming lawmakers about where in the US such tests might be conducted, Trump’s message asking the military to begin nuclear testing triggered widespread confusion.

A key area of uncertainty was whether the Republican president was referring to the testing of nuclear weapon delivery systems or ending a 33-year moratorium on explosive nuclear tests.

US Navy Vice Admiral Richard Correll, who was facing the Senate for his confirmation hearing on Thursday to become the commander of America’s nuclear forces, also appeared unsure.

Correll, nominated in early September to lead the US Strategic Command (STRATCOM), which oversees nuclear deterrence and strike capabilities, gave carefully worded answers throughout the hearing.

During the roughly 90-minute session before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Correll faced repeated questions about Trump’s comments from puzzled lawmakers, reflecting the confusion the president’s post had caused in Washington and beyond.

The committee’s top Democrat, Senator Jack Reed, asked whether resuming US nuclear explosive testing would be destabilizing and risk triggering a global arms race.

“If confirmed as the commander of STRATCOM, my role would be to provide military advice on any discussions on the way ahead with respect to testing," Correll said.

At one point, Senator Angus King, an independent, asked whether Trump’s post might refer to testing delivery systems such as missiles rather than explosive testing of nuclear devices.

“I don’t have insight into the President’s intent. I agree that could be an interpretation," Correll replied.

Vice President JD Vance later tried to clarify, saying that testing was part of ensuring the US nuclear arsenal remains functional.

However, the US and other nuclear powers have long stopped detonating actual warheads, instead using advanced computer simulations to maintain the readiness of their arsenals.

Messaging at the Risk of Provocation

In his post shared shortly before meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, Trump said he had instructed the Pentagon to begin nuclear testing “on an equal basis" and that the process would “start immediately."

Only North Korea has carried out a nuclear test explosion in the 21st century, the last one in 2017.

Russia, which recently tested two new nuclear-powered weapons, has been accused by Washington of conducting small “low-yield" tests and withholding transparency in its nuclear program, though it has not carried out a full-scale explosion.

A Kremlin spokesperson said Russian President Vladimir Putin had already warned that Moscow would respond in kind if any country resumed nuclear testing.

The United States and other nuclear powers have avoided detonating live warheads for decades, relying instead on simulations to ensure their arsenals remain functional.

“There is no good reason for the United States to resume explosive nuclear testing. It would actually make everyone in the US less safe," said Tara Drozdenko, director of the global security program at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

“The US has so much to lose and so little to gain from resuming testing," she added.

Many analysts believe Trump, who often projects strength as a negotiating tactic, was trying to send a message to Moscow and Beijing.

China has repeatedly rebuffed US efforts to hold talks on nuclear arms. While Beijing is expanding its nuclear arsenal, it has shown little interest in negotiating with Washington and Moscow, arguing that their stockpiles are still far larger.

China hopes the US will abide by its moratorium on nuclear testing and uphold its commitments under the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, Beijing’s foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Breaking the moratorium could benefit Washington’s rivals by allowing them to conduct their own tests, said Ploughshares, a foundation focused on reducing nuclear threats.

“A return to testing will benefit US adversaries by allowing them to catch up in nuclear research and weapons development," the group said in a statement.

Return to Nevada?

The United States has conducted more nuclear test explosions than any other country and retains data from 1,030 tests since 1945.

STRATCOM, where Correll is currently the deputy commander, had certified the US nuclear arsenal’s readiness as recently as January.

A Reuters report citing a US Department of Energy official said any new test would take place deep underground at a site in Nevada, which is mandated to be ready for testing within 36 months.

Senator Jacky Rosen said her home state of Nevada had suffered enough from nuclear testing between 1951 and 1992 and vowed to oppose any resumption.

“I’m going to be crystal clear: I will not let this happen. Not on my watch," Rosen said.

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has covered se...Read More

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has covered se...

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News world Here's Why Trump’s Call For Nuke Tests Shocked Washington, Revived Cold War Fears

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