President Donald Trump has directed the Department of War to commence nuclear weapons testing, asserting the move is necessary to counter rival nations’ advancements. In a Wednesday night post on Truth Social, Trump stated he had “no choice” but to initiate the tests after countries like Russia began conducting their own nuclear exercises.

Trump emphasized that the U.S. possesses more nuclear weapons than any other nation, citing upgrades completed during his first term. He warned that Russia and China are rapidly closing the gap, with Russia recently testing a nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile capable of traveling 14,000 kilometers. The test, reported by Russia’s Tass news agency, involved a 15-hour flight and demonstrated maneuverability to evade defense systems, according to General Valery Gerasimov.

The president’s announcement follows claims from Russian officials about the missile’s capabilities, though Western experts have questioned its strategic value. Trump reiterated his stance during an Air Force One briefing, dismissing Russia’s actions as “saber-rattling” and vowing the U.S. would not hesitate to match global nuclear programs.