On Friday, President Donald Trump signed four key executive orders aimed at revitalizing the United States’ nuclear energy sector and accelerating scientific research standards. The orders focus on speeding up nuclear reactor testing, enabling the construction of reactors on federal land, overhauling the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and boosting domestic uranium mining and enrichment.
Trump’s administration highlighted nuclear energy as a critical component for maintaining energy security, powering next-generation technologies, and sustaining America’s industrial and defense dominance. During the Oval Office ceremony, Trump emphasized that these executive actions would make the U.S. a “real power in this industry,” underscoring the government’s commitment to energy independence.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum addressed the long-standing challenges the industry has faced, pointing to “overregulation” that slowed progress. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also stressed the national security benefits, noting that reliable nuclear power is essential for operating defense facilities and AI data centers. The administration aims to increase nuclear energy capacity from the current 100 gigawatts to 400 gigawatts over the next 25 years.
The executive orders also restore what the White House described as “gold-standard science,” promoting research that is reproducible, transparent, falsifiable, and free from political influence—especially in public-sector science. This move comes amid criticisms of federal scientific agencies’ handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns over declining biomedical research investments.
According to Fox News, a senior White House official criticized “woke DEI initiatives” and the politicization of scientific guidance during the pandemic, citing the Biden administration’s controversial edits to school-reopening guidelines influenced by teachers’ unions. This order aims to ensure scientists are encouraged to pursue findings even if they contradict prevailing narratives.
The nuclear-focused orders include reforms to the Department of Energy’s research and development programs, accelerating reactor testing in national labs, and establishing a pilot program for new reactor construction on public lands. Additionally, the NRC is tasked with processing reactor license applications within an 18-month timeframe, addressing a traditionally slow and risk-averse licensing culture that critics say has hindered innovation.
Read More: Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to End Legal Protections for Venezuelan Migrants
What are your thoughts on this development? Share your opinions in the comments below — we love hearing from our readers and engaging with your perspectives. Don’t hesitate to join the conversation!
CNN reported that the U.S. currently imports most of its enriched uranium, mainly from Russia until recently, and the administration’s push includes expanding domestic uranium conversion and enrichment capacities. This effort will also leverage the Defense Production Act to secure agreements with nuclear companies for uranium procurement and spent fuel management.
With nuclear energy seen as a vital “24/7 resource” for data centers and critical infrastructure, stakeholders like Joe Dominguez of Constellation Energy highlighted the importance of continuous power generation that intermittent sources cannot provide.
The orders further establish a special U.S. envoy for nuclear expertise, reflecting the administration’s broader vision to restore America’s leadership in nuclear technology innovation.
Stay ahead with the latest news and exclusive updates by following us. Don’t miss out on timely insights and breaking stories delivered straight to you. Hit follow and be part of our growing community!
Disclaimer: This article is based solely on information provided by the cited sources. No additional opinions or unverified data have been added. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased news, but readers should verify details independently when necessary.
