Former President Donald Trump, in a major policy move during his 2024 presidential campaign, signed a series of executive orders aimed at reviving and expanding the U.S. nuclear energy sector, pledging to make the country a “global nuclear energy superpower.” The orders, issued during a campaign rally-turned-policy event in Ohio, mark a significant shift in energy strategy, with Trump declaring nuclear power essential to national security and economic growth.
The orders seek to streamline regulatory approvals for new reactor construction, increase domestic uranium production, and provide federal support for next-generation nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs). Trump also announced plans to re-open the controversial Yucca Mountain nuclear waste site in Nevada, which has been dormant for years due to political opposition and environmental concerns.
“America must lead in nuclear power,” Trump said to supporters. “It’s clean, it’s powerful, and it’s ours. No more begging OPEC or China for energy.”
The move comes as global energy markets remain volatile and the Biden administration pursues aggressive green energy policies centered on renewables. Trump’s orders are positioned as a counterbalance, focusing on energy independence and industrial dominance. He also claimed that nuclear power will play a key role in “rebuilding America’s manufacturing base” and “protecting against Chinese energy blackmail.”
The policy initiative is already drawing criticism from environmental groups and Democrats, who argue that fast-tracking nuclear projects without robust oversight could pose safety risks. “This is dangerous and reckless,” said Senator Ed Markey (D-MA). “We need renewable energy, not a return to radioactive waste and false promises.”
However, the nuclear industry welcomed the move. The Nuclear Energy Institute issued a statement praising Trump’s “commitment to revitalizing America’s nuclear leadership” and said the orders could unlock billions in investment and create thousands of jobs.
Experts note that while executive orders can set direction, much of the nuclear expansion plan would still require Congressional support, especially for funding and regulatory reform. Trump’s campaign has vowed to push through legislation if he wins re-election.
The announcement is part of a broader strategy by Trump to differentiate his energy agenda from both the Biden administration and his Republican primary rivals, several of whom have also expressed support for nuclear power but with less aggressive timelines.
As the U.S. enters another heated election season, nuclear energy is emerging as a polarizing issue—one that intersects with debates over climate change, national security, and industrial competitiveness. Trump’s executive orders have thrown nuclear policy into the center of that conversation.
Source: CNN
