Trump orders Pentagon to begin testing nuclear weapons 'immediately'
The U.S. voluntarily halted nuclear explosive testing in 1992, though it has the ability to resume tests at a site in Nevada.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna240681
GYEONGJU, South Korea — President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had instructed the Defense Department to “immediately” resume testing nuclear weapons.
“Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis,” Trump said on Truth Social shortly before his highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. “That process will begin immediately.”
The United States has voluntarily halted nuclear explosive testing since 1992. However, it has the ability to resume tests at the Nevada National Security Site.
Comments
I cannot figure out what on earth he is really saying. It is not clear that this is an actual test, a test of some deliverable system (Which we test already). I don't get it. He says because of other countries testing programs. I think these other countries are testing missiles not nukes. But hey what could go wrong with bit of in-precises wording. It would be kind of ironic if ww3 started because a badly worded tweet.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15240769/Donald-Trump-nuclear-arms-testing-China-Russia.html
The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country,' he began
Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to begin their first nuclear tests since 1992 - just moments before the president's pivotal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump told the Department of War to begin testing nukes 'immediately' and explained the military flex was necessary to combat Russia and China from closing the gap in the arms race.
'The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country,' he began.
'This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my First Term in office. Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice!' Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately."
Following the president's order, the most likely scenario is an immediate lawsuit from environmental groups and the State of Nevada seeking a preliminary injunction in federal court. This legal challenge would not focus on the president's authority to order the test, but on the government's failure to first comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires a new, multi-year Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) before any such action. Opponents would also cite the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to protect local wildlife like the desert tortoise. A judge is likely to grant this injunction, halting all preparations. The administration's main defense would be to claim a national security waiver to bypass these laws, but the legality of such a waiver would then become the central, and protracted, court battle.
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-russia-nuclear-weapons-testing-live-updates-10965563