President Donald Trump made an unprecedented declaration of global nuclear tension on October 29, 2025: the US would resume nuclear weapon testing for the first time since 1992. This decision came as a response to Russian advances in nuclear weaponry – including successful tests of Poseidon nuclear torpedo and Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile.
Background of the Decision
President Trump announced that the U.S. would test its nuclear arsenal “on an equal basis” with other nations, specifically Russia and China. Trump noted that his administration has created the world’s largest arsenal by updating and renovating existing weapons during his first term in office, but said this decision had to be made due to their actions against other countries (Politico). Trump expressed some hesitation but ultimately believed it necessary due to others countries’ actions (Polito).
Russia’s Recent Nuclear Tests
Just days prior to Donald Trump’s announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the success of testing of Poseidon, an underwater drone capable of creating massive radioactive tsunamis. Putin noted the Poseidon was unparalleled in terms of speed and depth; its warhead more powerful than Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. Additionally, Russia tested Burevestnik cruise missile which is said to have “unlimited range” and can bypass existing defense systems (AP News +1).
Implications for U.S. Policy
Resumption of U.S. nuclear tests marks a dramatic departure from decades of arms control agreements and non-proliferation initiatives. While modernizing their arsenal since 1990, the United States had stopped conducting detonations tests until now. Experts worry that such action could ignite a new arms race among nations by prompting other to accelerate their nuclear programs in response.
Global Reactions
The international community has responded with alarm to the U.S. decision. Critics argue that restarting nuclear testing could undermine global non-proliferation norms and reignite Cold War-era tensions; proponents, on the other hand, believe this move is necessary in order to maintain strategic parity and ensure credibility of U.S. deterrence systems.
Looking Ahead President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set for an unprecedented summit meeting in South Korea this fall. Resumption of U.S. nuclear testing compounds the tension surrounding this summit meeting and could further influence international arms control efforts and global security issues in general.