The directive came just hours before Trump’s planned meeting with China’s Xi Jinping in South Korea. The United States last conducted a full underground nuclear test in 1992. If implemented, the order would end a 33-year moratorium on explosive testing.

Order Issued Before Xi Meeting

Trump posted the order on Truth Social, writing: “Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately.” The message was published shortly before his session with Xi in South Korea.

Russia’s Recent Tests Cited

Trump’s announcement followed Moscow’s demonstrations of new nuclear-powered systems: the Burevestnik cruise missile and the Poseidon undersea torpedo. Russian officials said the Burevestnik flew about 8,700 miles and stayed aloft roughly 15 hours during an October 21 trial.

What “Equal Basis” Might Mean

Neither the White House nor the Pentagon provided immediate details on whether “testing” implies a return to explosive underground tests or expanded missile- and subcritical-related activities. Reporting noted that since 1998, North Korea is the only state confirmed to have conducted full explosive nuclear tests, while others relied on simulations and subcritical experiments.

Thirty-Three Years Since Last U.S. Test

The last U.S. full-scale underground test—“Divider”—occurred on September 23, 1992, at the Nevada site, ending a Cold War–era cycle. Trump’s directive would break a 33-year pause and re-open long-settled arms-control debates.

“Russia Is Second, China A Distant Third”

Trump asserted the U.S. has the largest stockpile due to modernization “during my First Term,” adding Russia is second and China “a distant third,” which “will be even within five years.” That claim drew immediate pushback and political resistance, including a vow by a Nevada lawmaker to introduce legislation to stop any new tests.