Trump orders US to begin nuclear weapons tests

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 (YPA) – President Donald Trump said that he instructed the Defense Department to resume nuclear weapons testing “immediately.”

Trump said: “Because other countries are testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to begin testing our nuclear weapons on par.”

He also said on Social Truth shortly before his anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea: “That process will begin immediately.”

The United States voluntarily halted nuclear explosion tests since 1992. However, it has the capability to resume testing at the National Security Site in Nevada.

During his first term, Trump sought to increase the U.S. nuclear arsenal by about tenfold, according to NBC News.

Russia announced a test of a new long-range, nuclear-powered underwater weapon and recently tested a missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Trump, who has recently hardened his tone on U.S. military capabilities, said the decision was about achieving parity with Moscow and Beijing.

“Russia is second, China is third by a long way, but will be coming in as soon as 5 years,” he said in a social media post.

He offered no answer when reporters asked him about changing his plans for nuclear tests.