Trump Explains Resuming US Nuclear Tests

In an extensive interview with the American CBS News, US President Donald Trump presented his dual vision regarding nuclear weapons, on one hand declaring his desire to reduce nuclear arsenals worldwide, and on the other hand, justifying the decision to resume American nuclear tests after a decades-long pause. These issues, as he noted, have already been discussed with the leaders of Russia and China.

During the interview, Trump emphasized that he aims to achieve a situation where the world's leading powers begin the process of reducing their arsenals. He highlighted the United States' status as the world's largest nuclear power, viewing it as a responsibility to initiate steps towards denuclearization.

"We have more nuclear weapons than any other country in the world. And I think we need to take some step towards denuclearization. I have discussed this issue with both President Putin and President Xi," Trump said.

He also dramatically underscored the destructive power of existing arsenals, adding: "We have enough nuclear weapons to blow up the entire world 150 times over. Russia has a lot of nuclear weapons, and China will have them too. At the moment, they have a certain amount."

However, alongside these statements about disarmament, Trump clarified why he has instructed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing after a decades-long pause. In response to a journalist's question, he cited two main reasons.

The first is a purely technical necessity: to ensure that existing weapons are in working condition and reliable. The second, and perhaps more important, reason is geopolitical realities. Trump stressed that the US's rival powers—Russia, China, and North Korea—are actively conducting their own nuclear tests. Under these circumstances, he said, the United States cannot afford to remain a passive observer. He stated that he does not want the United States to be "the only country that doesn't conduct tests."

Summarizing his position, Trump firmly declared: "Yes, we are going to conduct nuclear weapons tests like other countries."