WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Thursday his desire to initiate nuclear arms control discussions with both Russia and China. He expressed an aspiration that all three nations could ultimately agree to significantly reduce their extensive military budgets by fifty percent.
During a press conference in the Oval Office, Trump shared his concerns regarding the significant financial resources being allocated to enhance the country’s nuclear deterrent. He expressed hope that the U.S. adversaries would reciprocate by minimizing their own military expenditures.
“There’s no justification for us to be developing entirely new nuclear weapons when we already possess a vast arsenal,” Trump remarked. “The capability we have is enough to obliterate the world multiple times. Yet, we are focused on building new nuclear arsenals while they continue their expansion.”
He further noted, “All three nations are funneling substantial amounts of money that could be redirected toward initiatives that are likely to yield more constructive outcomes.”
Although the United States and Russia both have considerable amounts of nuclear weapons dating back to the Cold War, Trump predicted that China would enhance its nuclear capabilities and potentially keep pace within the next five to six years.
He cautioned that if these weapons were ever deployed, it would likely result in catastrophic consequences.
Trump indicated that he aims to establish nuclear discussions with China and Russia after resolving issues in the Middle East and Ukraine.
“One of my first priorities is to meet with President Xi of China and President Putin of Russia. My proposal will be to agree on halving our military expenditures. I believe this is achievable,” Trump stated.
During his initial term, Trump attempted unsuccessfully to include China in arms reduction negotiations while the U.S. and Russia were discussing the extension of the New START treaty. Following the commencement of the Biden administration, Russia halted its participation in the treaty, as both the U.S. and Russia have continued extensive efforts to maintain or upgrade their Cold War-era nuclear arsenals.
