Trump shock spurs Japan to rethink nuclear weapons

For decades, Japan has relied on the U.S. nuclear umbrella: Washington’s promise to defend its allies with the full force of its military, including nuclear weapons. But now, there are doubts circling over whether President Trump would follow through with that pledge.

Some are even starting to think the unthinkable for the only country to have ever suffered an atomic bomb attack: Japan might have to ultimately acquire those weapons of mass destruction itself.

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Post from Reuters on August 19, 2025