Trump Requests Pentagon to Observe the Resumption of the US Nuclear Weapon Testing

One of the Significant Changes in US Nuclear Policy

President Donald Trump has made a controversial and unexpected decision when he ordered the Pentagon to restart the US nuclear weapon testing right away. This is the first such a directive in a long time of more than 30 years.
As it is reported by various sources at Reuters and The Guardian, Trump gave such order to put the United States on the same level with other world powerhouses such as Russia and China, which he said are already undertaking similar nuclear programs.

The choice has become a major change in the strategy of defense in America and it has ignited controversy among the policy makers, scientists and international leaders.

Why Trump Gave the Order

1. Russian and Chinese Competitive Pressure

Trump explained his move by referencing the fact that Russia and China are undertaking re-modernization of weapons.
He claimed that these countries are experimenting and upgrading their nuclear systems as the United States is crippled by the old adage treaties.
Trump stated:

Due to the testing programs of other nations, I instructed the Department of Defense to begin testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis. The former will commence as soon as possible.

He meant that by this, the US will not be fighting behind as far as nuclear preparedness is concerned.

2. Enhancing the National Defense

Trump stressed that the re-introduction of tests will contribute to maintaining the reliability of the nuclear arsenal used by America as it is powerful and up-to-date.
The Pentagon officials are of the opinion that testing will be able to give data that can be utilized to make the stockpile of weapons that are currently available safer and more effective.

3. Political Message to Rivals

The fact that Trump issued this decree is well-timed; he is to have a summit with the Chinese President Xi Jinping at South Korea.
Analysts believe this act is a powerful message that the US wants to be the most powerful nuclear nation and it will not be ready to sacrifice its defensive status.

The 30-Year Pause Over

The last full-scale nuclear explosion test ever done by the United States took place in 1992.
It has since been dependent on computer simulation and subcritical tests that do not result in any nuclear explosions but enable scientists to research on the performance of weapons.

This several-decades long pause is essentially terminated in the order issued by Trump.
When it is put into effect it will be the first live nuclear test in more than 33 years, a step that would transform the international relationships and arms control agreements.

What Type of Tests are to be Carried Out?

At this juncture, it is not clear the nature of the nuclear experiments that will be conducted by the Pentagon.
Authorities have not indicated whether these would be full-scale underground tests or small-scale laboratory tests.

The difference matters:

• Full-scale trials may cause world outrage and hazards to the environment.
• Controlled simulations are not so bad but still questionable according to the existing treaties.

Pentagon is reportedly already assessing testing sites in Nevada and Alaska though no official timeline has been published.

Domestic and International Response

1. US Responses to Politics

The announcement has been mixed with regard to Trump.
Those in favor of the move believe that the US needs to have strategic deterrence with Russia and China.
New tests, they say, will assist scientists in the establishment of the success of aging warheads.

Nonetheless, critics caution that such a move would lead to the deposition of international stability.
Some legislators and military experts have indicated that the reinstatement of nuclear tests can return the world to a harmful arms race and reverse decades of diplomatic gains.

Senator Chris Murphy observed,

This is not a matter of national security. This concerns ego and showmanship. Nuclear tests should not be resumed as it will render the world a less secure place.

2. Global Response

Other countries have been reacting negatively to a greater extent.
The move has been termed provocative and destabilizing by China.
Even Russia threatened that the US move may result in a new phase of nuclear warfare.

The allies in Europe complained that this will be against the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which is an international treaty designed to stop such tests.

Although the US has never ratified the CTBT, it has observed its provisions over the decades.
The Trump Nuclear Testing Decision has drawn strong international criticism and revived global nuclear concerns

Some Implications of Nuclear Testing

1. A New Global Arms Race

Professionals are worried that other nations will imitate the US in the event that it reinstates testing.
The opportunity can be taken by Russia and China; India and even North Korea to justify their own programs.
This may bring about a new wave of nuclear armament as it used to be during the cold war era.

2. Environment and Health Hazards

Nuclear tests emit radiations into the air and the underground soil.
Previously, those tests resulted in permanent health issues in populations around the area and decades of land pollution.
Reinitiating them may pose similar risks to life, particularly in Nevada Test Site where radiation is still a cause of concern to this date.

3. Economic Costs

Carrying out nuclear tests is costly.
Experts have estimated that it would require billions of dollars to restart the testing infrastructure, train new facilities and to do even a single full-scale test.
Those opposed to this money claim that renewable energy or education should be fared in terms of expenditure rather than the extension of nuclear capability.

4. Diplomatic Tensions

The move by Trump can also lead to poor relations with the US allies, especially the members of NATO, who support nuclear disarmament.
It may complicate future global negotiations regarding armament control and may become divisive.

The Implication of This on US Defense Policy

The Pentagon now has the responsibility of developing an all time comprehensive testing strategy.
This entails technical, logistical and political processes:

• Validating testing laboratories and equipment.
• Securing environmental safety requirements.
• Reporting compliance concerns to overseas partners.
• Anticipating possible backlash by the UN and the international watchdog.

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in the Department of Energy is likely to contribute significantly in managing the technical aspects of the tests.

Expert Opinions

Defense Analysts

The advocates of the defense community believe that there is no need to test because modern computer models can accurately replicate nuclear explosions.
Nuclear policy researcher Dr. Jeffrey Lewis said:

The testing has become politicized and lacks scientific value. The US already is aware that its weapons are working.

Environmental Scientists

Even underground tests, environmental experts feel, can cause seismic disturbances and radiation leakages.
They underline that any testing should be transparent and controlled by international authority.

Global Security Experts

According to the security scholars, the announcement might undermine the US moral authority during global disarmament negotiations.
Once Washington starts testing, it will no longer have the power to influence other countries to cease.

Key Challenges Ahead

There are a number of key challenges that the Pentagon must resolve before any test can occur:

• Infrastructure preparedness: The number of old testing sites is numerous, and they have been shut down or converted.
• Legal issues: Before Congress approves funds to fund new tests, they may request hearings.
• The opposition of the population: Environmental and peace activists have already begun to hold anti-testing campaigns.
• International reaction: U.N. and NATO might be diplomatically forced back.

All these barriers have the potential of stalling or even stopping the testing plan prior to commencement.

Public Opinion in America

Nuclear testing on the opinion of the people is highly divided.
Most recent Gallup poll revealed that:

• 52% of Americans are against nuclear testing once again.
• Those who agree on the concept are 38% on the reason of national defense.
• 10% remain undecided.

The supporters of the move made by Trump usually refer to national pride and deterrence as their primary excuses.
Critics, however, are afraid of the move causing unwarranted instability in the world.

Looking Ahead

The order of Trump has given a fresh new page on the world nuclear debate.
The future of the US defense policy will depend on whether or not the Pentagon will implement the same immediately or not.

Provided the resumption of the testing, it will:

• Bring back the Cold War-era competition.
• Threaten global arms reduction.
• Recast the image of America as a world power that is ready to leverage nuclear power.

In case the plan is re-evaluated or postponed, it could demonstrate that domestic and international pressure still can affect the policy decision of the US.

One of the most debatable defense actions of the past years is the decision of President Trump to order an immediate nuclear testing.
It is the sign of his interest in military power, competitiveness, and international supremacy, yet it also poses important questions of safety, international relations, and the future of arms control.

The world is keeping an eye on the reaction of the Pentagon.
The mere fact that the tests were initiated has left the balance of power in the world changed and the debate about the role of nuclear weaponry in the modern defense strategy restarting or not.