US President Donald Trump, who until recently was advocating for the Nobel Peace Prize and branding himself as a “peace president,” has altered his rhetoric, now stating that the United States has “sufficient nuclear weapons to destroy the world 150 times.”
This declaration came shortly after he did not receive the prestigious award, despite asserting he had ended eight wars. In a CBS News interview, he justified his instruction for the Pentagon to recommence explosive nuclear testing, which had been suspended for 33 years, pointing to purported tests conducted by Russia, China, North Korea, and Pakistan. Trump emphasized that he does not want the US to be the only nation abstaining from nuclear tests.
His comments followed claims regarding the resolution of various disputes, including the military standoff between India and Pakistan in May, as well as his stated intention to mediate between conflicting nations to protect innocent lives.
In an interview with CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell at Mar-a-Lago, Trump claimed that while the US has the largest nuclear stockpile globally, its military adversaries, such as Russia and China, are swiftly augmenting their arsenals.
“We possess more nuclear weapons than any other nation. I believe we should take action regarding denuclearization. I actually spoke about this with both President Putin and President Xi. We have more than enough nuclear capabilities to annihilate the world 150 times over. Russia has significant nuclear power, and China is increasing its arsenal,” Trump stated during the CBS interview.
Throughout the discussion, he defended his decision to initiate nuclear tests, highlighting concerns regarding global competitors and the safety of the US.
“You need to understand how they function. It’s essential to test. The reason I’m advocating for testing is that Russia has declared its intention to conduct a test. Notably, North Korea is consistently testing. Other nations are also conducting tests. We are the only nation that has not engaged in testing, and… I do not want [the US] to be the sole nation that abstains from testing,” he remarked.
“Russia is conducting tests and so is China, though they don’t publicize it. We operate as an open society, which is different. We discuss it openly… They lack journalists who will report on it. Pakistan has also been testing,” Trump asserted.
“Countries with nuclear capabilities do not disclose their activities… They conduct tests far underground where it’s not clear what is happening. You might feel a slight vibration,” he added.
Last Thursday, Trump announced that the United States will resume nuclear weapon testing, thereby ending a moratorium that had been in effect since 1992.
This decision has reignited concerns about an escalating nuclear arms race and reopened discussions regarding deterrence, disarmament, and global security.