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U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Richard Correll’s confirmation hearing to lead America’s Strategic Command (STRATCOM) took an unexpected turn after President Donald Trump’s shocking social media post calling for the U.S. military to “start testing our Nuclear Weapons.” The late-night announcement, made just hours before Correll’s Senate Armed Services Committee appearance, ignited confusion in Washington and abroad.
Trump claimed the United States must not “fall behind Russia and China,” asserting that Russia is second and China will catch up “within five years.” Lawmakers pressed Correll about whether resuming nuclear explosive tests would destabilize global security. Correll responded cautiously, saying his role would be to provide military advice if confirmed.
Senators questioned whether Trump’s post referred to testing nuclear weapons or delivery systems like missiles. “I don’t have insight into the President’s intent,” Correll admitted. The U.S. has upheld a moratorium on explosive nuclear testing for 33 years, relying instead on advanced simulations to ensure arsenal reliability. Experts warn that breaking the moratorium could reignite a nuclear arms race and compromise U.S. security.
Vice President JD Vance defended testing as a means to verify the nation’s nuclear readiness. However, scientists and policy experts, including Tara Drozdenko of the Union of Concerned Scientists, argue that resuming tests would do more harm than good.
Analysts believe Trump’s remarks aim to pressure Russia and China ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Beijing urged Washington to honor its test ban commitments, while Moscow warned it would match any nuclear tests conducted by other nations.
With over 1,000 nuclear tests since 1945, the U.S. holds extensive data, but renewed testing could allow rivals to advance their programs. Lawmakers like Senator Jacky Rosen vowed to block any attempts to resume testing in Nevada, citing the state’s painful nuclear legacy.
