Why the Call to Halt Nuclear Testing Matters

On Tuesday, Democratic U.S. Senator Edward Markey urged President Trump to abandon his reported directive to resume nuclear weapons testing — a practice the United States halted more than three decades ago.

In a letter to the White House, Markey called any return to explosive nuclear testing “a mistake of radioactive proportions,” arguing that it’s unnecessary, dangerous, and likely to provoke similar responses from rival powers.

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What Trump Has Said — and the Stakes Involved

Following his recent remarks suggesting he had ordered the Pentagon to restart U.S. nuclear weapons testing to match perceived foreign tests, concern mounted among arms-control advocates.

Under current U.S. policy, no explosive nuclear weapon test has occurred since 1992. Non-explosive simulations and inspections have sufficed for decades to maintain the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile.

Critics fear renewed testing would not only reignite environmental and public-health risks — especially near former test sites — but also destabilize global security by encouraging a fresh nuclear arms race.

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Legislative Pushback: Congress May Intervene

In response to Trump’s announcement, a bipartisan group of senators — including Mark Kelly and Jacky Rosen — introduced the No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act. The bill would require congressional approval before any explosive nuclear weapons testing is resumed.

Supporters argue that it would reaffirm the U.S.’ long-standing commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and prevent a return to Cold War–era recklessness.

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What’s at Stake — and What’s Next

— Global stability: Resuming nuclear testing risks triggering retaliatory actions from other nuclear powers, undermining decades of arms-control agreements.
— Health & environment: Previous nuclear tests caused long-term environmental damage and human health problems — risks many believe should never be repeated.
— U.S. credibility: A renewed testing program could erode American moral leadership on disarmament and non-proliferation worldwide.

For now, the pressure is mounting on Congress to block any impulse to return to explosive testing — and on President Trump to reconsider a bold, controversial, and risky move at a perilous moment in global geopolitics.