Trump Administration Moves Toward Resuming Nuclear Tests, Raising Fears of Global Arms Race

The United States is reportedly preparing to resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time in decades, a move ordered under former President Donald Trump’s renewed defense strategy that could mark a major shift in global security policy and reignite fears of a new nuclear arms race.

Officials familiar with the administration’s plans say the decision is being justified as a measure to ensure the reliability of the U.S. nuclear arsenal and to send a message of strength to rival powers such as Russia, China, and North Korea. The move comes after years of tension over nuclear treaties and testing bans, many of which have gradually eroded amid competing military ambitions.

Critics, however, warn that restarting nuclear tests would undermine decades of international arms control efforts and could destabilize global security. They argue that such a decision would likely provoke similar actions from other nuclear-armed nations, potentially triggering a new wave of weapons development and testing unseen since the Cold War.

Diplomatic experts also fear the move could strain relations with key U.S. allies, many of whom have supported international agreements banning nuclear explosions. The resumption of testing would challenge the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which the U.S. has signed but never formally ratified.

Supporters within Trump’s circle insist the move is long overdue, claiming that modernization and deterrence are vital to maintaining military superiority. They argue that current computer-based simulations are insufficient to guarantee long-term reliability of the nuclear stockpile.

The development has already sparked global concern, with analysts predicting that rival powers could respond by expanding their own testing and weapons programs.

If carried out, the U.S. would be taking one of its most controversial defense steps in decades — a decision that could reshape the balance of nuclear power and open a new chapter in the high-stakes politics of global deterrence.

Author: M.J