Advocating for Nuclear Test Resumption: Insights from Previous White House Aides
In a disturbing turn of events, ex-advisors of Donald Trump are advocating for a possible re-entry into the nuclear testing business if the President graces the Oval Office again.
Although the U.S. hasn't detonated a nuclear weapon since 1992, when the Cold War came to an end, former advisors like Robert C. O'Brien think it's high time we shook things up. O'Brien, who served as Trump's National Security Adviser, believes that digital simulations aren't enough and that we should test new nuclear weapons in reality instead of relying on computer models.
O'Brien's argument revolves around the idea that nations like Russia and China are ramping up their nuclear arsenals, and the Biden administration hasn't done enough to deter this activity. He contends that nuclear testing will strengthen the U.S. arsenal and help deter potential adversaries.
Not everyone agrees with this strategy, however. Christian Whiton, a former Trump State Department official, expressed doubts about the testing idea leading to an arms race. He claims it's negligent not to test novel designs in the real world for validity.
Critics argue that resuming nuclear testing could potentially reignite a nuclear arms race and damage global nonproliferation efforts. Yet, the Trump camp seems to be staying mum on the issue, leaving many folks across the country holding their breath in anticipation.
Interestingly, a recent article published by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists suggests that a second Trump term could lead to an even worse nuclear policy than the one we're currently stuck with. The article largely focuses on Project 2025, the 900-page manifesto put out by the right-wing Heritage Foundation associated with Trump's campaign. Despite Trump distancing himself from Project 2025, some staffers characterize it as an unwelcomed distraction from Trump's priorities.
So, here we are, teetering on the edge of a potentially nuclear cliff, with Trump denying any direct ties to Project 2025 while clearly disagreeing with some of its suggestions. Is the nostalgia for the Cold War going to drive our policies once more? Only time will tell.
In a possible Trump presidency returning in 2025, the future could witness a comprehensive shift in nuclear policy as former advisors, such as Robert C. O'Brien, advocate for resuming nuclear testing, driven by concerns of a growing nuclear arms race. This proposal, however, sparks debate, with critics warning it could fuel a dangerous arms race and hinder global nonproliferation efforts. Meanwhile, the Trump camp remains largely silent on the issue, leaving uncertainty and anticipation about the potential impact of such a policy change. The resurfacing of Project 2025, a right-wing manifesto associated with the Trump campaign, adds further speculation to this matter.