In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through international security circles, former President Donald Trump is allegedly exploring the possibility of restarting nuclear weapons testing, according to sources close to his campaign.
Breaking a Three-Decade Moratorium
Senior officials familiar with the discussions have revealed that Trump has questioned why the United States doesn't resume testing nuclear weapons. Such a move would shatter a moratorium that has been in place since 1992, when the US last conducted an underground nuclear test.
The discussions have reportedly occurred during meetings with foreign policy advisers outside the government, raising concerns about the potential consequences for global security.
Experts Sound the Alarm
National security experts have expressed profound concern about the implications of such a decision. Jon Wolfsthal, who served as senior director for arms control in the Obama administration, described the potential move as "insane" and warned it could trigger a new nuclear arms race.
"If Trump orders a nuclear test, Russia and China will follow suit," Wolfsthal cautioned. "We would be entering a new nuclear testing era that would make America less secure."
What Resuming Testing Would Mean
- Break a 32-year tradition of US nuclear testing restraint
- Likely trigger similar testing by Russia and China
- Undermine global non-proliferation efforts
- Damage international relations with key allies
- Potentially start a new nuclear arms race
Campaign Response and Political Context
When approached for comment, the Trump campaign did not directly address the nuclear testing discussions but pointed to the former president's previous statements about maintaining "American strength."
The revelations come amidst broader concerns about Trump's approach to nuclear weapons, including his administration's withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia in 2019.
Security analysts warn that resuming nuclear testing would represent one of the most significant breaks with established US defence policy in modern history, with consequences that could reshape global security dynamics for decades to come.
