Context:

President Trump has called for U.S. nuclear experts to develop a new treaty to replace the New START agreement with Russia, which is set to expire, arguing that the current treaty is flawed and being violated. In a post on Truth Social, he emphasized the need for a modernized treaty that could secure long-term stability, while the White House confirmed ongoing discussions with Russia regarding the future of nuclear arms control. The potential expiration of New START could leave both nations without nuclear arsenal caps for the first time in over 50 years. The administration is also considering including China in future arms control efforts. No final decision has been announced yet on the path forward.

Dive Deeper:

• Trump's assertion that the New START treaty is a 'badly negotiated deal' reflects a broader skepticism about existing arms control agreements, which he believes do not adequately protect U.S. interests.

• White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that the administration wants a treaty that can endure long into the future, indicating a shift in U.S. nuclear policy under Trump's direction.

• Recent discussions between U.S. and Russian officials have contemplated whether they could continue to observe New START's terms post-expiration, though no formal extension is in place.

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that future arms control negotiations must involve China due to its growing nuclear capabilities, highlighting the complexity of modern nuclear diplomacy.

• The expiration of New START, according to reports, would result in the first instance in over half a century where there would be no limitations on the nuclear arsenals of the U.S. and Russia.

• Trump has claimed significant diplomatic successes in preventing nuclear conflicts involving countries such as Pakistan, India, Iran, Israel, and Ukraine, positioning himself as a key player in global nuclear stability.

• The timeline for any new agreement or policy direction on nuclear arms control remains uncertain, with Trump expected to clarify his strategy as discussions evolve.