“Trump Signs Landmark Orders to Supercharge U.S. Nuclear Energy”
On May 23, 2025, President Donald Trump signed four executive orders aimed at accelerating the growth of nuclear energy in the United States through regulatory reform, infrastructure expansion, and research modernization.
The orders, signed in the Oval Office alongside energy executives and senior administration officials, are designed to streamline nuclear energy research at the Department of Energy, authorize the construction of nuclear reactors on federal land, expedite regulatory approval processes, and boost domestic uranium mining and enrichment.
President Trump described the nuclear sector as a “hot” and “brilliant” industry, emphasizing its potential to meet growing energy demands, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence technologies. “You have to do it right,” he said, referring to the implementation of nuclear infrastructure.
Standing beside Trump were leaders from companies involved in next-generation nuclear energy, including Joseph Dominguez (Constellation Energy), Jacob DeWitte (Oklo), and Scott Nolan (General Matter), as well as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
Secretary Burgum described the orders as a long-overdue correction to decades of overregulation. “Each of these helps address different barriers that have held back this industry,” he said.
A senior administration official briefing reporters noted that one executive order would allow the Energy Department to construct nuclear reactors on federally owned land to support “critical defense facilities and AI data centers.” Another order directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to shorten the licensing timeline for new reactor projects, requiring final decisions within 18 months—part of a broader push to reduce permitting delays.
Industry leaders welcomed the initiative. Dominguez noted that regulatory delays have historically hindered the industry’s growth, calling the permitting process “inefficient” and overly focused on minor issues.
Supporters argue that expanding nuclear power is critical for meeting future electricity needs while reducing carbon emissions, as nuclear energy produces electricity without burning fossil fuels. While solar and wind energy production has significantly increased in recent years, experts warn that these sources alone may not meet future demand—especially as energy-hungry AI applications become more widespread.
A recent report by consulting firm ICF International projected that U.S. electricity demand could rise by 25% by 2030 and by 78% by 2050, largely due to the growth of AI data centers.
Defense Secretary Hegseth echoed these concerns, stating that national security and technological competitiveness now depend on scaling up reliable power. “If we don’t include AI in everything we do, we’re not keeping up with adversaries,” he said. “You need the energy to fuel it. Nuclear is a huge part of that.”
Despite the enthusiasm, experts continue to highlight the risks associated with nuclear energy, including the long-term management of hazardous waste and the potential for catastrophic accidents or targeted attacks. Additionally, building nuclear infrastructure remains a multi-year endeavor, even with accelerated permitting processes.
President Trump also signed a fifth executive order that calls for restoring what the administration described as the “gold standard” in federal scientific research. According to Michael Kratsios, head of the White House Office of Science and Technology, this order aims to solidify U.S. leadership in science and innovation.
“These executive orders,” Kratsios said, “will ensure continued American strength and global leadership in science and technology.”
Source article found here: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/trump-signs-executive-orders-aimed-expanding-easing-regulations-nuclea-rcna208788