US President Donald Trump’s late-night social media post calling on the military to “start testing our Nuclear Weapons” sent shockwaves through Washington on Wednesday, dramatically overshadowing a Senate confirmation hearing for Vice Admiral Richard Correll, Trump’s nominee to lead US Strategic Command (STRATCOM).
The post, made just hours before Correll’s Thursday hearing, threw the Pentagon and Congress into confusion, reviving fears of a return to Cold War-era nuclear competition.
“Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within five years,” Trump wrote, implying the US risked falling behind its rivals.
Senators Question Trump’s Intent
During the 90-minute confirmation hearing, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee pressed Correll on whether Trump’s comments suggested a resumption of nuclear explosive testing, breaking a moratorium that has held since 1992.
Senator Jack Reed, the committee’s top Democrat, warned that such a move could trigger a global arms race.
“If confirmed as STRATCOM commander, my role would be to provide military advice on any discussions on the way ahead with respect to testing,” Correll replied cautiously.
Independent Senator Angus King asked whether Trump might have meant missile delivery testing instead.
“I don’t have insight into the President’s intent. That could be an interpretation,” Correll said.
Uncertainty Over US Testing Moratorium
For more than three decades, the US has relied on computer simulations and non-explosive testing to maintain its nuclear readiness.
Vice President JD Vance defended Trump’s statement, saying that “testing is part of ensuring the US arsenal functions properly.”
But experts warned that resuming explosive testing would destabilize international security.
“There is no good reason for the United States to resume explosive nuclear testing — it would make everyone less safe,” said Tara Drozdenko of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Moscow and Beijing in the Crosshairs
Analysts said Trump’s remarks were likely aimed at sending a message to Russia and China, both of which have resisted nuclear arms transparency.
The post came just before Trump’s planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
“If the goal is to force China into negotiations, that’s unlikely to work,” said James Acton of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Russia, which recently tested two nuclear-powered weapons, warned it would respond “in kind” if any country resumed testing. China urged Washington to honour its test ban commitments.
Criticism Mounts in Congress
Lawmakers from both parties criticized the idea of ending the moratorium.
Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen, whose state hosted 1,000 US nuclear tests between 1951 and 1992, vowed:
“I will not let this happen. Not on my watch.”
Experts at the Ploughshares Fund cautioned that renewed US testing would only help rivals “catch up” in nuclear research.
A Department of Energy source said any test would take place underground at the Nevada Test Site, which remains capable of conducting a test within 36 months of a presidential order.