U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has attempted to alleviate concerns regarding President Donald Trump’s recent comments about nuclear testing, stating that any planned tests will not involve nuclear explosions. Wright emphasized on Fox News that residents near the Nevada National Security Site have “no worries” about witnessing any mushroom clouds. His reassurance comes on the heels of Trump’s declaration on Truth Social, in which the former president indicated he had instructed military officials to initiate testing of the nation’s nuclear arsenal in tandem with other nuclear powers.
Wright clarified that these tests are referred to as “non-critical explosions,” intended to verify the components of nuclear weapons without triggering actual nuclear blasts. The last full-scale nuclear tests by the U.S. occurred in 1992, and there has been widespread apprehension following Trump’s remarks, interpreted by many as a potential precursor to resuming such testing.
In an interview that aired on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Trump reiterated his plan for the U.S. to conduct nuclear tests similar to those performed by other countries, which he claimed are not openly discussed. He cited rivals such as Russia and China, asserting his intent not to let the U.S. fall behind in testing capabilities.
China’s foreign ministry quickly responded, denying any recent nuclear tests and reaffirming its commitment to a self-defense nuclear strategy and a commitment to halt nuclear testing. Spokeswoman Mao Ning urged the U.S. to take steps toward global nuclear disarmament.
On the Russian side, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also denied any nuclear weapons testing, referring to specific military projects and expressing hope that Trump had received accurate information regarding Russia’s activities.
While the information about the nuclear arsenals varies, estimates suggest that Russia possesses around 5,459 nuclear warheads, compared to approximately 5,177 for the U.S. China, the third-largest nuclear power, reportedly has about 600 warheads. The Center for Strategic and International Studies has projected that China’s nuclear arsenal could exceed 1,000 by 2030, indicating a significant expansion in their capabilities.
As global powers bridge their nuclear capabilities, the conversation surrounding nuclear testing is likely to continue to evolve. It remains essential for leaders to approach these discussions with a focus on disarmament and maintaining global stability, ensuring that such testing does not escalate into larger geopolitical tensions.