'It's appropriate.' Trump defends decision to resume nuclear tests

During a press briefing, Trump was asked why he made the announcement and what prompted him to do it just before a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

He responded that the decision was driven by the fact that other countries are conducting nuclear tests, while the US has not.

"It had to do with others. They (other countries - ed.) seem to all do nuclear testing. We have more nuclear weapons than anybody. We don't do testing. We halted it many years ago. But with others doing testing, I think it's appropriate that we do also," Trump said.

When asked for specifics on when and where the tests would take place, he replied, "We have test sites. It will be announced."

What Trump posted

Just an hour before he met with Xi Jinping, Trump posted on Truth Social, announcing that the US would conduct nuclear weapons tests.

According to Trump, the country's nuclear arsenal was modernized during his first term. However, he claimed he "hated to do it" because of the destructive power of nuclear weapons, though he said he had no choice.

He reiterated that the US has the largest nuclear arsenal, with Russia and China in second and third place, and added that Beijing will catch up to Moscow in five years.

"Because of other countries' testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump concluded.