Trump Calls for Denuclearisation, Cites Cuts in Defense Spending
U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his ambition to pursue denuclearisation and significantly reduce defence budgets during remarks given in Washington. He stated that nations such as Xi Jinping’s China and Vladimir Putin’s Russia could “spend money on other things” if military-expenditure loads were eased.
Context of the statement
Trump’s comments come amid longstanding U.S. efforts to limit global nuclear proliferation and encourage arms-control talks with major powers. He emphasised that the U.S. already has a large arsenal and questioned the logic of continued weapon-growth when funds might be used on infrastructure, healthcare or climate action instead. The remarks align with earlier declarations made by Trump in February 2025.
Implications for global diplomacy
The president’s framing links disarmament to economic rationality, signalling a shift from pure strategic messaging to budgetary and development dimensions. If pursued, such a track could influence international negotiations on nuclear arms reduction, though critics warn that talk must be backed by treaty commitments and verification mechanisms.
