Members of the Trump administration have explored conducting the first U.S. nuclear test since 1992 in a move that would mark a reversal from a decades-long freeze on such tests.
A senior administration official and two former officials familiar with the deliberations told The Washington Post that discussions were held at a meeting of senior officials from the top national security agencies last Friday. The conversations came in response to accusations that Russia and China are running low-yield nuclear tests, though no evidence has emerged to support the claims.
A senior administration official told the Post that showing Russia and China, two top adversaries, that the U.S. could conduct a “rapid test” could grant Washington leverage in seeking a trilateral nuclear deal.
Last week’s meeting did not conclude with a decision regarding a test, though the conversation on conducting one is reportedly ongoing. However, officials seriously disagreed with each other over the idea.
The U.S. has not conducted a nuclear test since 1992.
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JUST IN: Trump admin has looked at conducting first US nuclear test since 90's alleging without evidence tests by Russia and China: report https://t.co/IryJ2CNWYZ pic.twitter.com/9TGOCGHdEP
— The Hill (@thehill) May 23, 2020
Yet another stupid, pointless, and provocative idea from an administration in which the nuclear enthusiasts are finally released from the adult supervision – by Presidents of both parties – that has kept them away from stuff like this for nearly 30 years. https://t.co/FpqMR6GMLz
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) May 23, 2020
From an expert on nuclear weapons who knows his stuff. I agree with him. This is just straight-up strategic dumbassery. https://t.co/u8uNEsoQmh
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) May 23, 2020
Folks, I don't think the "start testing nukes" crap is coming from Trump. I know we love the explanation that he wants to play with "the nuclear," but always remember how fundamentally stupid he is, and how much he doesn't know about any of this. This is coming from others. /1
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) May 23, 2020
I was on the edge of that world for a while in the 80s, and it paid well and there was plenty of work. The end of the Cold War put an end to all that, and presidents of both parties defunded the nuclear enterprises and reduced their importance. This did not sit well with them. /3
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) May 23, 2020
For years, the nuclear fan club has been *itching* to get back in the driver's seat, for reasons that range from prestige to money to just lousy strategic thinkers. But they needed a President stupid enought to let them loose without interference. They finally got one. /5
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) May 23, 2020
Don't get too focused on Trump. He has no idea what's going on. Look to the people around him, the people in industry, the right-wing think-tankers, and especially the people who allied with them in the GOP Senate. That's who's doing all this. /7x
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) May 23, 2020
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