Opinion: Trump’s impulsive language on nuclear weapons paints U.S. as careless
Trump’s reckless behavior persists, from offhand remarks to offensive rants on the global stage. Our columnist argues his naming Russia a nuclear superpower carelessly strains an already delicate U.S.-Russia relationship. Hannah Mesa | Illustration Editor
Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox.
Subscribe to our newsletter here.
On the morning of Oct. 30, President Donald Trump met with Xi Jinping, leader of China, in Busan. Just before the meeting, Trump took to Truth Social to make yet another impulsive announcement, this time regarding nuclear policies.
“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,” Trump said in his abrupt post.
Trump’s words suggest that he wishes to begin large-scale destructive testing of nuclear weapons in our country for the first time in 33 years.
In the week following his post, government officials have spoken out in response to Trump’s words..
Chris Wright, Trump’s energy secretary, contradicted him on the matter. While next steps could involve system testing certain nuclear weapons, Wright said no tests involving nuclear explosions will take place.
Based on Wright’s words, it appears we do not need to worry that the government will begin testing nuclear weapons on a large scale. What we do need to worry about is how careless Trump continues to be with his words. As he continues to be power-crazed and thoughtless, he presents our country in the same way.
By namedropping Russia as the second nuclear superpower in his post, Trump continues to complicate an already delicate relationship with the nation for the sake of feeling powerful in the conversation.
At a meeting with members of the Russian security council on Wednesday, Putin said that his country has no current plans to begin testing nuclear weapons themselves, but would do so as a response to the aggression of other nations.
By namedropping Russia as the second nuclear superpower in his post, Trump continues to complicate an already delicate relationship with the nation for the sake of feeling powerful in the conversation.Will Chadwick, Columnist
“Russia (will) also have to take appropriate and proportionate responsive measures if any country were to divert from the rules laid out in the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty,” Putin said.
Nuclear weapons have long been a point of conflict for the U.S. and Russia. With the START treaty set to expire in February, now is the worst time for Trump to be throwing around nuclear threats targeting Russia, making his post even more concerning.
Speaking freely on such serious topics, likely without consulting key officials such as Wright, is yet another sign that Trump views himself as untouchable and in full control, able to do as he wishes without consequence.
We’ve seen Trump’s recklessness before on numerous occasions, ranging from offensive rants on the global stage to futile construction projects amid the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. But we’ve never seen Trump speak on a topic which could invoke devastating physical consequences in such a carefree manner.
The best thing Trump could do now is put out a statement confirming the U.S. will not begin to test nuclear weapons of any sort, since that is likely the case. But of course, as we should all know by now, Trump is not one to admit his wrongdoings by any means, leaving our country in indefinite geopolitical limbo.
Will Chadwick is a sophomore magazine, news and digital journalism major. His column appears weekly. He can be reached at wchadwic@syr.edu.
