President Donald Trump directed the U.S. to resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time since 1992, saying rivals' programs leave him "no choice." He posted instructions to the Department of War before meeting China's Xi in South Korea, then said aboard Air Force One that sites will be determined and the "process will begin immediately." The move, roughly 100 days before New Start's February 2026 expiry, sparked criticism from the Arms Control Association and a Nevada Democrat, who warned of a chain reaction of testing and damage to the Nonproliferation Treaty.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.