U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended the Trump Administration’s decision to resume limited nuclear testing, arguing that a credible and verifiable arsenal makes nuclear conflict “less likely, not more.” Speaking during a press conference in Malaysia on October 31, 2025, Hegseth framed the move as part of President Trump’s long-standing “peace through strength” doctrine — a strategy aimed at ensuring America’s dominance and deterring aggression through unmatched military readiness.

“It makes nuclear conflict less likely,” Hegseth told reporters, explaining that the tests, coordinated with the Department of Energy, are designed to validate the reliability and performance of U.S. warheads. According to Pentagon officials, these controlled tests are conducted under strict safety and environmental protocols, focusing on subcritical and simulation-based experiments that confirm weapon stability without triggering full-scale detonations.

Hegseth underscored that deterrence depends not only on the possession of weapons but on the confidence that they work when needed. “You cannot deter with uncertainty,” he said. “Our adversaries — whether in Moscow, Beijing, or Tehran — must know that America’s nuclear arsenal is ready, reliable, and capable. That knowledge keeps the peace.”

The statement reflects a broader Trump-era recalibration of U.S. defense priorities, moving away from what officials describe as “symbolic restraint” and toward demonstrable strength. The administration’s defense strategy emphasizes readiness across all domains — nuclear, conventional, cyber, and space — as the foundation of a secure and peaceful world order.

Critics of nuclear testing have expressed concern that resuming such operations could trigger renewed global tensions. But supporters argue that decades of deterrence history have proven the opposite: when America projects confidence in its capabilities, adversaries think twice before escalating. Hegseth’s remarks reinforced that message, portraying deterrence not as provocation, but as prevention.

“In the 1980s, President Reagan understood that strength is the surest path to peace,” Hegseth said. “President Trump understands the same truth today.”

The announcement comes amid rising concerns over Russia’s and China’s modernization of their nuclear forces, and intelligence reports suggesting Iran is accelerating its enrichment capabilities. In that context, Hegseth’s remarks were seen as both reassurance to allies and a warning to adversaries — America’s deterrent remains fully operational and will be continually verified to stay that way.

For the Trump Administration, the message is clear: peace is not achieved through wishful thinking or paper treaties, but through visible strength backed by capability and resolve. As Hegseth concluded, “Our mission is to prevent war — and that begins by proving we are prepared to win one.”