Trump’s Bold Executive Orders Revive Nuclear Power and Reform Federal Science

President Donald Trump has unleashed a flurry of executive orders aimed at supercharging America’s nuclear energy sector and restoring trust in federal science. The moves signal a bold push to reclaim U.S. dominance in nuclear technology while tackling what some call a crisis of credibility in public-sector research.

At the White House, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum didn’t mince words, pointing out how America once led the world in nuclear innovation post-World War II, only to see progress stall under a tangle of excessive regulations. He framed the orders as a way to cut through the red tape and get the industry back on track. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the strategic edge, saying, “Our nuclear capabilities will keep the lights on and AI humming when others are left in the dark.”

One order zeroes in on reforming nuclear research at the Energy Department, fast-tracking reactor testing at national labs and launching a pilot program for new reactor construction on public lands. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has long championed revitalizing U.S. national labs, and these directives align with his vision of nuclear as a cornerstone for energy independence. Another order shakes up the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, mandating it to process reactor license applications within 18 months—a stark contrast to the decades-long droughts in new reactor construction.

Trump’s orders also set an ambitious goal: boosting nuclear capacity from 100 gigawatts to 400 gigawatts in 25 years. To support this, he’s leveraging the Defense Production Act

On the science front, Trump’s orders aim to restore “gold standard science”—reproducible, transparent, and free from political meddling. A senior official pointed to eroded public trust, blaming “woke DEI initiatives” and controversial COVID-19 responses, like those led by former NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, for undermining confidence. The orders demand peer-reviewed, falsifiable science to rebuild credibility.

These moves aren’t just about energy or science—they’re about reclaiming a competitive edge. As Joe Dominguez of Constellation Energy noted, nuclear’s reliability is critical for powering next-gen tech like AI data centers, which demand constant energy. With these orders, Trump is betting on nuclear to fuel America’s future.