Washington: US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has instructed the Defense Department to ‘immediately’ begin nuclear weapons tests. “Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, referring to his rebranded name for the department.

According to Philippines News Agency, Trump emphasized that the US possesses more nuclear weapons than any other nation, a status achieved during his first term, which included a comprehensive update and renovation of existing arsenals. He expressed concerns about the pace at which the US’s adversaries are advancing in their nuclear capabilities.

Trump highlighted the strategic necessity of his decision, despite his personal aversion to the destructive potential of such weapons. He noted that Russia ranks second and China third in nuclear capabilities, but warned that China could rival the US within five years.