Trump Declines to Confirm If US Will Conduct Nuclear Weapon Tests/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump refused to clarify whether the United States will resume underground nuclear testing. His cryptic comments, made aboard Air Force One, come amid growing speculation over U.S. nuclear policy. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described testing as a “responsible” step toward maintaining deterrence.
Nuclear Testing Uncertainty – Quick Looks
- Trump declined to confirm or deny resuming nuclear detonations when questioned by reporters.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hinted testing may involve nuclear warheads, calling it “responsible.”
- The U.S. has not conducted a nuclear detonation since 1992.
- Trump stated, “We’re going to do some testing,” but gave no timeline.
- Confusion arose after Trump’s social media post referencing “equal basis” testing with Russia and China.
- Russia has pledged to match any U.S. testing, heightening Cold War-style tensions.
- Pentagon and Department of Energy declined to provide clarification.
- Vice Adm. Richard Correll struggled to interpret Trump’s remarks during Senate testimony.
Trump Declines to Confirm If US Will Conduct Nuclear Weapon Tests
Deep Look
President Donald Trump on Friday stirred confusion and concern after refusing to clarify whether the United States plans to resume underground nuclear weapon testing — a practice the country has avoided for over three decades. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters, “You’ll find out very soon,” when asked directly about resuming nuclear detonations.
His comments followed a cryptic social media post earlier this week in which he appeared to suggest that the U.S. should begin nuclear testing on an “equal basis” with Russia and China. That post reignited debate in Washington and among international observers over whether Trump is considering a major shift in nuclear weapons policy.
While Trump offered little elaboration during his flight to Florida, he did say, “We’re going to do some testing,” and added, “Other countries do it. If they’re going to do it, we’re going to.” But he quickly shut down further questions, leaving U.S. nuclear intentions ambiguous.
Hegseth Hints at Testing Warheads
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, traveling separately, also remained vague on specifics but indicated a clear strategic posture change. Speaking to reporters during a defense summit in Malaysia, Hegseth said that “resuming testing” would be “very responsible” and necessary for maintaining credible nuclear deterrence.
“The president was clear: We need to have a credible nuclear deterrent,” Hegseth said. “Resuming testing is a very responsible way to do that. And I think it makes nuclear conflict less likely.”
He emphasized collaboration with the Department of Energy, which manages the U.S. nuclear arsenal, but declined to confirm if actual warhead detonations were imminent.
What Testing Might Mean
Currently, the United States regularly conducts non-nuclear tests of missiles that are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. However, it has not conducted a live nuclear detonation since 1992, in adherence to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which the U.S. signed but never ratified. Despite that, Washington has largely followed the treaty’s guidelines.
Trump’s statements have caused confusion because he did not clarify whether he was referring to testing missile delivery systems or the warheads themselves. The difference is significant — missile testing is routine and ongoing, but nuclear detonations would mark a major departure from decades of global non-proliferation efforts.
Neither the Pentagon nor the Department of Energy responded to inquiries seeking clarification on whether a live nuclear test is under consideration.
Russian Response Raises Stakes
Trump’s post comes amid new developments from Russia, which announced this week that it had tested a nuclear-capable underwater drone and a nuclear-powered cruise missile. While the Kremlin emphasized that it did not detonate any nuclear warheads, it warned that any U.S. move to resume such testing would prompt a reciprocal response.
“If the United States resumes nuclear tests, so will Russia,” the Kremlin said — a clear signal that any American decision could spark a return to Cold War-style nuclear brinkmanship.
Officials Struggle to Interpret Trump’s Intentions
The uncertainty even extends to Trump’s own national security apparatus. Vice Adm. Richard Correll, Trump’s nominee to lead U.S. Strategic Command, was pressed during a Senate hearing on Thursday to explain the president’s comments. Correll offered little insight, stating, “I’m not reading anything into it or reading anything out of it.”
Trump’s ambiguity has caused frustration among lawmakers and experts who see nuclear testing as a line not to be crossed lightly. The potential reversal of long-standing policy raises concerns about global stability, arms races, and the erosion of non-proliferation agreements.
Next Steps Remain Unclear
Despite escalating rhetoric, there has been no official confirmation from the administration of plans to resume nuclear detonations. The issue remains shrouded in secrecy, and Trump’s vague remarks have only fueled speculation.
For now, all eyes remain on the Pentagon and the Department of Energy, as well as on upcoming statements from the White House that may bring clarity — or further confusion — to one of the most consequential questions in U.S. defense policy.
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