The remarks represent not only the most direct challenge yet to the U.S. moratorium on nuclear testing since its inception in 1992 but also a potential turning point in global nonproliferation policy.

By publicly questioning the effectiveness of international monitoring and accusing several nuclear-armed states of covert testing, Trump is signaling a possible departure from decades of bipartisan consensus on restraint and verification.

“Pakistan Is Testing Nukes”

Trump stated, “Pakistan is testing nukes,” asserting that underground facilities conceal such activities from detection.

He added that “they test underground where people don’t know exactly what is happening,” arguing that these covert operations undermine global transparency in arms control.

Claims of Russian and Chinese Violations

According to Trump, both Russia and China are “also testing,” with alleged underground detonations that evade international monitoring systems.

He cited these examples as justification for reconsidering U.S. policy, warning that continued restraint could “erode America’s strategic edge.”

Breaking from Longstanding Moratorium

The United States has not conducted an explosive nuclear test since 1992, relying instead on computer modeling and subcritical experiments.

Trump’s proposal to resume testing would mark a dramatic shift from three decades of adherence to the global testing moratorium endorsed by previous administrations.

Trump said the U.S. must test “to see how [nuclear weapons] are going to work,” but clarified that he does not intend to use them.