Former President Donald Trump signed four executive orders designed to revive and expand the U.S. nuclear energy industry. These directives aim to fast-track the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, reduce regulatory hurdles, and reestablish the nation’s capacity to mine and enrich uranium.
Speaking at the White House, Trump described the nuclear sector as a major opportunity for American leadership. “These orders will help make the U.S. a real power in this vital industry,” he said.
Accelerating Reactor Development and Licensing
One executive order focuses on speeding up the testing and construction of next-generation reactors at Department of Energy laboratories. It introduces a pilot program that supports new reactor builds within two years. Another directive reduces regulatory restrictions to allow the Departments of Energy and Defense to build nuclear reactors on federally owned land. These facilities are expected to power critical military bases and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
A separate order mandates that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) must approve or deny license applications within 18 months. The administration argues that lengthy licensing processes have stifled growth and innovation in nuclear energy. The NRC will also undergo a structural reorganization to improve efficiency. While staffing levels are not immediately affected, a reduction in force may be considered as part of the overhaul.
Boosting Domestic Uranium Supply and Energy Security
A key component of the initiative involves rebuilding America’s uranium supply chain. The fourth order supports increased uranium mining, conversion, and enrichment efforts within the U.S. These moves are in response to supply disruptions caused by cutting off imports from Russia. Officials say the country must regain full control over its nuclear fuel production to protect national security and energy independence.
Although it will take time to fully reestablish domestic enrichment capabilities, this order sets the groundwork for long-term energy resilience. The administration also emphasized support for advanced reactor types, including Generation III+, Generation IV, and microreactors.
Strategic and National Security Implications
Officials from the Department of Defense emphasized the national security value of nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors that can power U.S. bases worldwide. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the move essential to military readiness and reliability.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum praised the executive orders for addressing what he described as decades of overregulation. He highlighted the role of venture capital and private-sector innovation in bringing advanced nuclear projects to life.
The administration’s ultimate goal is to increase the nation’s nuclear energy capacity from about 100 gigawatts to 400 gigawatts by 2050. Officials argue that modernizing nuclear policy is vital not just for energy production, but for global competitiveness.
