CIA director, Senate intel chairman say Trump ‘is right’ about Russian and Chinese nuclear tests

President Trump’s claims about Russia and China secretly testing nuclear weapons have been bolstered by CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton. Ratcliffe confirmed on X that intelligence assessments support the President’s assertions that Russia and China are not adhering to a moratorium on nuclear testing.

Cotton provided additional details on X, stating that the CIA assesses that both Russia and China have conducted super-critical nuclear weapons tests exceeding the U.S. zero-yield standard as part of their nuclear modernization programs.

In response to these revelations, Trump announced his decision to resume nuclear testing after more than three decades. He cited the need to counter the growing arsenals and alleged testing programs of Russia and China as the rationale behind this directive to the Pentagon.

During an interview with “60 Minutes,” Trump emphasized the importance of testing in response to similar actions by other countries. He highlighted Russia’s recent test announcement and ongoing testing by North Korea and other nations as reasons for the U.S. to resume testing.

While the U.S. has refrained from nuclear testing since 1992, Trump’s administration believes that the current geopolitical landscape necessitates a reassessment of this policy. The President’s assertion that Russia and China are actively testing nuclear weapons has heightened concerns about the need for the U.S. to maintain its nuclear capabilities.

It remains to be seen what form these potential tests may take and when they could occur. The decision to resume nuclear testing marks a significant shift in U.S. nuclear policy and underscores the growing tensions surrounding nuclear proliferation on the global stage.