Trump's push to resume nuclear testing 'immediately' is unrealistic and could backfire, experts say
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Trump orders U.S. to begin testing nuclear weapons President Donald Trump said this week that he wants the Defense Department to begin testing nuclear weapons "immediately," but experts say that's wishful thinking. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. The U.S. has only one location where such testing could take place, an underground facility at the former Nevada Nuclear Test Site near Las Vegas.
AI Summary
Main Idea: Trump’s call for the United States to resume nuclear weapons testing “immediately” runs into major technical, financial, and legal hurdles, and experts warn it could backfire.
Key Points:
- The U.S. would need costly site work and at least two years before testing could restart at the Nevada nuclear test site.
- Experts say the U.S. does not need new explosive tests to keep its arsenal safe and effective.
- Resuming tests could encourage China, and possibly other rivals, to restart their own testing programs.
- The plan would clash with the 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and the Department of Energy would run explosive testing while the Department of Defense would handle delivery-system tests.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
Restarting nuclear testing could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions and raise health, safety, and fallout fears for nearby communities.
Positive Impact
A stronger US nuclear program could reassure some voters who want a more credible deterrent.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Major:Department of Defensegovernment agency or body
- Major:Department of Energygovernment agency or body
Candidate Entities11 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- Department of Defensegovernment agency or bodyMajorEvaluated
Named agency tasked by Trump to begin testing and a central implementation actor in the story.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Department of Energygovernment agency or bodyMajorEvaluated
Central U.S. agency responsible for carrying out nuclear explosive testing if resumed.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - President Donald TrumppersonPrimaryAI selected
Central actor who ordered the Defense Department to begin nuclear weapons testing immediately and whose statement drives the.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Secretary Pete HegsethpersonMajorAI selected
Defense Secretary quoted responding to the order and describing the Pentagon’s next steps.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Brandon WilliamspersonContextCandidate
Head of the National Nuclear Security Administration cited for prior testimony against resuming testing.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Daryl KimballpersonContextCandidate
Arms Control Association executive director quoted disputing claims that other countries are testing.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Gregory JaczkopersonContextCandidate
Former nuclear regulator quoted as an expert opposing the idea that testing can happen immediately.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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