Nominee to lead US nuclear arsenal downplays Trump’s testing remarks: 'Not reading anything into it'

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice Adm Richard Correll, the senior military officer nominated to lead US Strategic Command, which oversees the nation’s nuclear arsenal, told senators on Thursday, October 30, that he was “not reading anything” into President Donald Trump’s remarks ordering the military to resume nuclear testing.

“I wouldn’t presume that the president’s words meant nuclear testing,” Correll said during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. 

Asked by Sen Mazie Hirono to clarify Trump’s comments, Correll noted, “Neither China or Russia has conducted a nuclear explosive test, so I’m not reading anything into it or reading anything out to it.”

Trump’s post reignites debate on nuclear arms race 

Earlier on Thursday, Trump announced on Truth Social that he had instructed the "Department of War" to "start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis" with Russia and China.

He claimed that the US already possessed “more Nuclear Weapons than any other country,” but said he wanted to ensure parity with other powers testing advanced systems.

He added that the process would begin “immediately.” 

Trump's statement came hours before a scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Richard Correll stresses deterrence and not escalation

Richard Correll, pressed by several lawmakers, including Senators Jack Reed and Tom Cotton, said that he would provide the best military advice on any adjustments to the nuclear testing policy. 

He also emphasized the importance of testing to demonstrate deterrence credibility, but reportedly stopped short of endorsing explosive tests.

“I agree fully with you, it is a really, really important aspect of demonstrating the reliability and credibility of our nuclear deterrent,” he said.

“That’s an essential attribute for deterrence versus particularly in this era,” he added.

Nevada senator vows to block any resumption of tests

Sen Jacky Rosen, whose state hosts the Nevada National Security Site, the historical hub of the US nuclear testing, issued a sharp rebuke.

She warned that resuming tests would be “devastating and catastrophic” for both the US and the world.

“President Trump last night took the reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous step to declare that we will resume explosive nuclear testing despite no evidence supporting the need to do so,” Rosen said during the hearing.

“If this resumption happens, the amount of radiation exposure and destruction will be felt across the country and around the world. Make no mistake, this would be devastating and catastrophic. I will not let this happen, not on my watch,” she added.

Trump’s post follows reports that Russia recently tested two nuclear-powered weapons, the 9M730 Burevestnik missile and the Poseidon underwater drone. 

Trump had previously described Russia’s missile tests as “inappropriate” and advised Vladimir Putin to focus on ending the conflict in Ukraine.

He said to reporters on Air Force One on Monday, “I don't think it's an appropriate thing for Putin to be saying either. By the way, he ought to get the war ended. A war that should have taken one week is now in its fourth year. That's what he ought to do instead of testing missiles."