Trump orders return of U.S nuclear weapons testing

President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to restart nuclear weapons testing, ending more than 30 years of suspension.

Trump made the announcement on Wednesday, saying the United States must stay ahead of Russia and China in nuclear strength. He said both countries have been improving their weapons, and America will not be left behind.

The United States last carried out a nuclear test in 1992. Since then, it has relied on computer simulations and other modern methods to maintain its arsenal.

Trump’s decision marks a major shift in U.S. defense policy and could spark global concerns about a new arms race. Many experts and lawmakers have warned that returning to live nuclear tests could increase tensions with rival nations and weaken global peace efforts.

China has already called on Washington to stick to international agreements that ban nuclear explosions. Arms control groups in the U.S. also urged the government to reconsider the plan, saying it could damage years of global progress toward nuclear disarmament.

It is not yet clear when or where the first test will happen, but reports suggest the Pentagon may use the Nevada Test Site, where past nuclear experiments were carried out.