Trump Signs Executive Orders to Boost US Nuclear Energy

President Donald Trump signed four executive orders on Friday, May 23, 2025, in the Oval Office, marking a significant step in his administration's approach to nuclear energy. The orders target streamlining the regulatory process for nuclear reactor development and deployment. One executive order focuses on accelerating testing of advanced reactors at Department of Energy national labs. Another aims to expedite the permitting process for building reactors on federally owned land. This initiative has the support of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who were both present at the signing. "The goal is to quadruple nuclear power production in the next two and a half decades," stated a senior administration official. The orders also create a special envoy position to focus on nuclear technology export strategy and a pilot program aiming to bring three new experimental reactors online by July 4th of next year. This initiative represents a considerable shift in the US's nuclear energy policy, aiming to revitalize the domestic nuclear industry and increase energy independence.