Washington, D.C. — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again made headlines with a bold statement on nuclear capabilities and global power balance. In an interview with CBS News, Trump asserted that the United States possesses enough nuclear strength “to blow up the world 150 times,” while accusing Pakistan of conducting nuclear testing alongside Russia, China, and North Korea.
Trump Says U.S. Could Match Rivals in Nuclear Tests
During the interview, Donald Trump revealed that he had directed the Pentagon to consider resuming nuclear testing amid reports that several nations were already doing so. “We have more nuclear weapons than any other country. I believe we should work towards nuclear disarmament, and I’ve discussed this with both [Vladimir] Putin and [Xi] Jinping,” Trump said.
He continued, “But if Russia, China, North Korea, and now Pakistan are all testing, why should America be the only one that isn’t? The U.S. cannot afford to stand back while others continue testing.”
Accusations Against Pakistan’s Nuclear Program
In a rare and controversial claim, Trump alleged that Pakistan is conducting nuclear tests, sparking speculation in the international community. While no official confirmation has been provided by Islamabad, the statement adds to rising tensions in South Asia, where Pakistan and India have both been known to possess nuclear arsenals.
“Russia has plenty of nuclear weapons, and China is expanding fast. Pakistan is testing too. We’re the only country not doing it,” Trump asserted.
Comparing Putin and Xi: “Both Are Smart and Strong Leaders”
When asked who among Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping was more difficult to deal with, Donald Trump responded carefully: “They’re both smart. They’re both very strong leaders. These are not people you can play games with — they must be taken seriously.”
Trump has previously boasted about his diplomatic relationships with both Putin and Xi, even suggesting that his rapport with them helped avoid potential global conflicts during his presidency.
On China: “We’re Also Playing the Long Game”
When the CBS interviewer pressed Trump about China’s long-term geopolitical strategies, he replied confidently: “We’re playing the long game too. We’re a threat to them in many ways, but I think we can work together to become bigger, better, and stronger — rather than just trying to defeat them.”
Trump’s comments appeared to strike a mix of confrontation and cooperation, echoing his earlier rhetoric on balancing U.S.–China relations through strength rather than dependency.
Pentagon Ordered to Resume Testing, Says Trump
Trump further claimed that during his visit to South Korea, he had ordered the Pentagon to immediately restart nuclear testing operations. “We’re ahead of everyone in terms of nuclear capability,” he said. “But if others are testing, we must ensure we’re not left behind.”
Defense analysts have interpreted the comment as part of Trump’s long-standing narrative emphasizing military dominance and national security over diplomatic restraint.
The Global Nuclear Landscape
Trump’s remarks come at a time when Russia, China, and North Korea are reportedly advancing their nuclear programs. Russia has recently tested several new strategic weapons, while China continues to modernize its arsenal. North Korea, meanwhile, maintains a pattern of missile launches that have repeatedly drawn global criticism.
The mention of Pakistan’s alleged nuclear testing could have significant diplomatic consequences, as Washington and Islamabad maintain a complex relationship involving counterterrorism, regional security, and nuclear oversight.
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Democracy and Transparency: Trump Takes a Swipe at China and Russia
In the same interview, Trump contrasted the political systems of Russia and China with that of the United States. “There’s no real democracy there,” he remarked. “Putin and Xi have been ruling for years, but they don’t talk about what they’re doing. We’re an open society — when we do something, the world knows about it.”
Trump’s statement highlighted his recurring criticism of authoritarian regimes while reinforcing America’s image as a transparent global power, even when addressing sensitive military matters.
On Defending Taiwan: “You’ll Find Out If It Happens”
Asked whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese military invasion, Trump gave a cryptic answer: “You’ll find out if it happens. The other side knows what would happen, but I’m not the kind of person to reveal every detail just because you asked. They understand what’s coming.”
His vague response mirrors the “strategic ambiguity” often maintained by U.S. administrations regarding Taiwan — a policy that keeps both Beijing and Taipei guessing about Washington’s exact stance.
Trump’s Broader Message: Strength and Deterrence
Throughout the interview, Donald Trump emphasized America’s need to maintain strength and deterrence amid growing threats from rival powers. His comments reflected a blend of self-assurance and warning, suggesting that under his leadership, the U.S. would never allow itself to be perceived as weak or hesitant.
Analysts say Trump’s remarks are likely aimed at reinforcing his foreign policy credentials as he eyes another possible presidential run. His consistent message of “peace through strength” continues to resonate with his supporters in the U.S. and abroad.
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The Bigger Picture
As global powers jostle for dominance, Trump’s provocative statements could reignite debates around nuclear treaties, arms control, and military testing bans. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), though signed by the U.S., was never ratified — a point often cited by hawkish policymakers seeking flexibility in future nuclear policy.
If Washington were to resume nuclear testing, it could trigger a new era of global nuclear competition reminiscent of the Cold War. However, Trump insists that such measures are necessary “to keep America safe and ahead.”
