The Trump administration has been quietly working on something big. It’s about to be unveiled.
And these new earth-shattering executive orders will raise everyone’s eyebrows.
President Trump and Company Prepares A Game-Changing Nuclear Energy Push to Power America’s Future
President Donald Trump’s administration is poised to unleash a transformative overhaul of America’s nuclear power landscape, with draft executive orders that could reshape federal authority, streamline regulations, and quadruple nuclear capacity by 2040. The orders, as reported by Politico’s E&E News, aim to empower federal departments, accelerate reactor approvals, and fuel the nation’s growing energy demands, particularly for cutting-edge industries like artificial intelligence.
The first draft order sets an aggressive 18-month timeline for a sweeping regulatory overhaul, tasking the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), and other agencies with rewriting NRC rules. This includes reevaluating radiation safety thresholds, setting firm deadlines for license reviews, and fast-tracking approvals for reactors tested at DOE and Department of Defense (DOD) sites. The plan also proposes trimming a segment of the NRC that independently scrutinizes licensing actions, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that have long stifled nuclear progress.
“The Department [DOE] shall approve at least three reactors pursuant to this pilot program with the goal of completing construction of each of the three reactors by July 4, 2026,” reads one draft, according to Politico. This ambitious directive tasks the DOE with leading three pilot and demonstration reactor projects on federal lands and national labs, a clear nod to Trump’s commitment to rapid, tangible results. By prioritizing federal sites, the administration seeks to bypass local regulatory hurdles and showcase the potential of advanced nuclear technologies.
Another draft order emphasizes leveraging the DOD and State Department to expand nuclear capabilities, particularly for strategic military purposes. It mandates identifying nine military facilities—focusing on Arctic and Indo-Pacific bases—where advanced nuclear technologies can be deployed within 60 days. This move positions nuclear power as a cornerstone of national security, ensuring energy resilience for critical defense operations. The order also empowers the Secretary of Energy to approve privately-funded nuclear projects at DOE sites to power AI infrastructure, deeming them vital to the nation’s defense.
Trump’s immediate declaration of a national energy emergency upon returning to the White House girds the urgency of these initiatives. He stated that the “integrity and expansion of our Nation’s energy infrastructure” is “an immediate and pressing priority for the protection of the United States’ national and economic security.” This executive action called for slashing “undue burdens” on the nuclear sector, setting the stage for the draft orders now under consideration. The administration’s focus on energy as a national security issue resonates with Trump’s goal of restoring American industrial might.
The NRC, established by Congress in 1974, has long served as the gatekeeper for nuclear safety, issuing licenses and enforcing standards for all commercial nuclear plants. However, critics argue its slow-moving processes have hindered innovation. “The Nuclear Regulatory Agency is one of the slowest moving entities in the universe when it comes to assessing new technologies and nuclear power,” said JD Foster, former chief economist at the Office of Management and Budget, who frequently engaged in nuclear policy discussions. Foster’s critique points to a regulatory system that has made building new nuclear plants a near-impossible task.
One draft order tackles the energy supply chain, proposing to fund the reactivation of shuttered nuclear plants, enhance uranium enrichment, and improve nuclear fuel recycling. It also aims to strengthen the “nuclear engineering talent pipeline,” addressing workforce shortages that could impede expansion. These measures align with Trump’s economic agenda, promising job creation and industrial revitalization in communities hit hard by plant closures.
The administration’s push to categorize energy expansion as a national security matter reflects the growing demands of the tech industry, particularly AI, which requires vast, reliable energy sources. By prioritizing nuclear power, Trump’s team aims to position the U.S. as a global leader in both energy and technology, outpacing competitors like China.
Critics, as noted by Politico, have raised concerns about potentially relaxed safety standards and excessive federal oversight of the NRC, which could reduce its efficiency. However, energy policy experts counter that the current regulatory framework is overly restrictive. Foster noted, “We set an impossible goal,” pointing to regulations like the 10,000-year waste management requirement, which demands nuclear waste repositories maintain safe radiation levels for millennia. Such standards, he argues, have paralyzed the industry.
The NRC has made strides in recent years, with a public affairs officer previously stating that the agency has “improved its licensing efficiency.” The officer cited a streamlined application process that led to a reactor construction permit issued in just 18 months and noted the NRC is ahead of schedule on reviewing TerraPower’s construction permit application. These improvements, however, may not be enough to meet the administration’s ambitious goals without the sweeping changes proposed in the draft orders.
Trump’s nuclear agenda builds on his first-term emphasis on deregulation and energy dominance, but with a sharper focus on next-generation technologies. The draft orders’ emphasis on advanced reactors, which promise greater efficiency and safety, aligns with the administration’s push to modernize America’s energy infrastructure. By empowering federal agencies to take the lead, the plans aim to bypass the inertia that has plagued nuclear development for decades.
The prospect of quadrupling nuclear capacity by 2040 is a monumental goal, one that would require unprecedented coordination across government, industry, and academia. The draft orders lay the groundwork for this transformation, from streamlining supply chains to deploying reactors at strategic military sites. If implemented, these policies could redefine America’s energy landscape, delivering reliable power to fuel economic growth and national security.
While it remains uncertain whether Trump will sign these draft orders, their scope and ambition reveal a clear intent to break free from the status quo. The administration’s focus on speed—evident in the 18-month regulatory overhaul and July 2026 construction deadlines—suggests a determination to deliver results before the end of Trump’s second term. This urgency resonates with supporters who see energy independence as a cornerstone of American strength.
For industries like AI, which are driving the economy’s future, the promise of abundant, clean nuclear power is a game-changer. The draft orders’ provisions for powering AI infrastructure at DOE sites demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to aligning energy policy with technological innovation. This synergy could cement America’s leadership in both sectors, creating a ripple effect of economic and strategic benefits.
