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Trump Signs Orders to Quadruple U.S. Nuclear Output
In a bold push to revitalize America’s nuclear energy sector, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders on May 23, 2025, aiming to quadruple the United States’ nuclear power generation by 2050. The move positions nuclear energy at the center of America’s future energy and national security framework, while dramatically reforming how nuclear projects are approved and executed.
“President Trump signs executive orders to accelerate U.S. nuclear development”
Accelerated Approvals for Nuclear Projects
One of the most significant directives under the executive orders is the streamlining of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) process. Trump has mandated that all applications for new reactors must be processed within an 18-month deadline—far quicker than the multi-year procedures that have stalled projects in the past.
Additionally, the Department of Energy (DoE) has been instructed to fast-track the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. Three experimental reactors are slated to be operational by July 4, 2026, marking an aggressive timeline for rollout.
The reforms aim to eliminate bureaucratic slowdowns and pave the way for rapid adoption of small modular reactors (SMRs) and other next-generation nuclear technologies.
Nuclear Power to Fuel AI and Data Boom
The executive orders also address growing energy demand from emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and data centers, which require uninterrupted, high-density power. Trump’s administration believes nuclear power offers the cleanest and most reliable solution to meet this load.
To that end, the orders declare nuclear energy as “critical infrastructure” and invoke emergency powers to bolster domestic uranium mining and processing. By securing the uranium supply chain, the administration aims to end reliance on imports from nations like Russia and Kazakhstan, which currently dominate global enrichment markets.
Divided Reactions from Industry and Experts
While nuclear industry stakeholders hailed the announcement as historic, energy policy experts are divided. Supporters argue the orders provide long-overdue clarity and momentum for a stalled sector. Critics, however, question whether the timeline is realistic, citing unresolved challenges in reactor financing, waste disposal, and public resistance.
Environmental advocacy groups have also voiced concern about safety risks and insufficient consultation before declaring sweeping changes to nuclear regulation.
Nevertheless, the policy has re-centered nuclear energy in America’s energy conversation, and the coming months are expected to bring a surge of private sector activity and state-level alignments in response to the federal push.
