Based on the latest reporting, President Donald Trump has publicly indicated that the United States should restart nuclear weapons testing, directing the Defense Department to begin testing on an “equal basis” with other nuclear- armed nations. He argued this move is necessary to keep pace with Russia and China, and he suggested the process would begin immediately. These statements were circulated on social media shortly before and during a high-level meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and they mark a potential shift from decades of U.S. testing moratorium dating back to 1992. Official clarification from the White House or Pentagon had not been provided at the time of initial reporting, leaving room for interpretation about whether this refers to explosive testing, delivery-system testing, or both. [sources: multiple outlets reporting on Trump’s remarks and their context]