'Because of other countries ... ': Trump says US to start nuclear weapons testing; move follows Russia’s trials

US President Donald Trump declared that he has directed the Department of War to commence testing the nation's nuclear weapons in response to testing programs by "other countries". He added that this "process will begin immediately."


Trump asserted that the United States possesses "more nuclear weapons than any other country," attributing this to a "complete update and renovation" of existing weapons during his first term. "The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country. This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my First Term in office. Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice! Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years," Trump said in a post on X.





"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. Thank you for your attention to this matter," he added.

Trump's announcement comes amid Russia testing two nuclear-powered strategic weapons — the 9M730 Burevestnik cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater drone — described by Moscow as capable of carrying nuclear payloads over long ranges.

Trump had described the tests as "inappropriate" and advised Putin to focus on ending the conflict with Ukraine.

"I don't think it's an appropriate thing for Putin to be saying either. By the way, he ought to get the war ended. A war that should have taken one week is now in its fourth year. That's what he ought to do instead of testing missiles," Trump said.

Putin asserted that the Poseidon is currently unmatched in terms of interception, highlighting its critical role in Russia's defense strategy. Meanwhile, he also claimed that Burevestnik cruise missile's, nuclear reactor is "1,000 times smaller" than those found on submarines and can be activated in minutes, compared to the hours it takes for a submarine reactor.