In a stark warning that has sent shockwaves through the international security community, prominent nuclear weapons scientists have expressed grave concerns that Donald Trump could resume live nuclear testing if he returns to the White House.
The Unthinkable Becomes Possible
According to exclusive insights from top weapons researchers, the former president's administration actively explored the possibility of conducting the first live nuclear tests since 1992. This dramatic break with decades of bipartisan non-testing policy could have far-reaching consequences for global stability.
Why Scientists Are Sounding the Alarm
Dr. Edward F. Geist, a policy researcher at RAND Corporation, revealed that senior officials in Trump's administration had seriously debated restarting nuclear tests. The primary motivation appeared to be intimidating geopolitical rivals, particularly Russia and China.
The implications are deeply troubling for several reasons:
- It could shatter the global moratorium on nuclear testing that has held for over three decades
- Other nuclear powers would likely resume their own testing programs
- It would accelerate a new nuclear arms race at a time of heightened international tensions
- The environmental and health risks of atmospheric testing could return
A Dangerous Precedent
During his presidency, Trump repeatedly questioned why the United States couldn't test nuclear weapons if other nations were suspected of doing so. This thinking represents a fundamental shift from America's traditional role as a leader in non-proliferation efforts.
Experts warn that resuming testing would not only provide other nations with justification for their own nuclear programs but could also encourage non-nuclear states to pursue weapons development.
The Global Domino Effect
Dr. Geist emphasised that once the testing genie is out of the bottle, it would be nearly impossible to put back. "If the US resumes testing, other major powers would almost certainly follow suit," he cautioned. "We could see a return to the dangerous testing cycles of the Cold War era."
The warning comes amid growing concerns about nuclear posturing worldwide, with several nations modernising their arsenals and some openly discussing the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons in regional conflicts.
What's at Stake for Britain and Europe
For the UK and European nations, the resumption of American nuclear testing would create significant security dilemmas. It could force difficult decisions about Britain's own nuclear deterrent and complicate NATO's strategic positioning.
With geopolitical tensions already running high, scientists fear that renewed nuclear testing could push the world closer to the brink of conflict than at any time since the Cuban Missile Crisis.
