Trump’s Nuclear Test Push Shakes Washington as Admiral Faces Tough Confirmation Hearing:

Washington, D.C. — Vice Admiral Richard Correll was expected to face routine questions during his confirmation hearing to become the next commander of U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM). But that changed dramatically late Wednesday night when former President Donald Trump stunned Washington — and the world — with a single social media post. At 9:04 p.m., Trump announced that he had asked the Pentagon to “start testing our Nuclear Weapons,” claiming the U.S. risked falling behind Russia and China. “Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within five years,” he wrote. The message immediately sent shockwaves through diplomatic and defense circles. By Thursday morning, Correll walked into a Senate hearing room filled with confusion, skepticism, and sharp questions about what exactly the President meant. The Senate Armed Services Committee, led by both Republicans and Democrats, pressed Correll on whether the administration was seriously considering resuming explosive nuclear testing — something the U.S. hasn’t done since 1992. Senators Demand Clarity During the 90-minute session, lawmakers repeatedly sought answers. Senator Jack Reed, the committee’s top Democrat, asked whether resuming nuclear testing could trigger a dangerous new global arms race. “If confirmed as STRATCOM commander, my role would be to provide military advice on any discussions about testing,” Correll said carefully, avoiding any direct political comment. Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine, wondered if Trump’s message might have been referring to testing missile delivery systems rather than the nuclear warheads themselves. Correll admitted he wasn’t sure of Trump’s intent, saying, “That could be an interpretation.” A 33-Year Moratorium at Stake The U.S. has maintained a 33-year moratorium on underground nuclear explosions, relying instead on advanced computer simulations and sub-critical tests to ensure the arsenal’s reliability. Experts warn that breaking that moratorium would be destabilizing, potentially inviting Russia and China to conduct their own full-scale tests. “There’s no good reason for the U.S. to resume nuclear testing — it would actually make Americans less safe,” said Tara Drozdenko, director of the global security program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Vice President J.D. Vance, however, defended the idea, saying that testing could help ensure the U.S. arsenal’s “readiness and credibility.” Nevada Pushback and Global Concerns Any new nuclear test would likely occur at the Nevada National Security Site, where the Energy Department maintains facilities capable of conducting underground detonations within 36 months. But Nevada lawmakers, including Senator Jacky Rosen, vowed to oppose any return to testing, citing the state’s history of radioactive fallout and health damage. “I will not let this happen. Not on my watch,” Rosen said firmly. Analysts believe Trump’s announcement may be intended more as a signal to Moscow and Beijing than an immediate policy shift. Still, it risks escalating tensions at a moment when Russia has tested new nuclear-powered weapons and China is expanding its arsenal but remains unwilling to join arms-control talks. A Strategic Gamble Breaking the moratorium could ultimately benefit U.S. adversaries, according to the Ploughshares Fund, since nations like China could use it as an excuse to conduct more tests and gather new data. For now, Admiral Correll’s confirmation remains pending, but one thing is clear: his hearing became the first test of a new and uncertain nuclear era — one where a late-night social media post can upend decades of U.S. policy and send ripples across the globe.

NEWS