Trump signs executive orders advancing nuclear power, uranium mining, and removing DEI from federal research priorities.

White House Pushes for Scientific Integrity, Energy Independence

President Donald Trump signed a set of sweeping executive orders on Friday aimed at revitalizing America’s nuclear industry and restoring integrity to public-sector science. The directives target domestic uranium production, streamline nuclear reactor development, and end diversity-focused hiring practices in federal scientific research.

According to the White House, the orders seek to triple U.S. nuclear energy capacity from 100 gigawatts to 400 gigawatts over the next 25 years. Trump also outlined a strategy to resume uranium mining and enrichment within the U.S., citing national security and industrial independence as key motivators.

“America will start mining and enriching uranium,” a senior White House official stated, emphasizing the need to reduce reliance on foreign fuel and to reinvigorate the full nuclear fuel cycle. The plan includes leveraging the Defense Production Act to engage domestic suppliers and expand enrichment capabilities.

Streamlining the Path to New Nuclear Reactors

One order overhauls the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), requiring it to issue rulings on new reactor license applications within 18 months. The administration criticized the current process as overly risk-averse and bureaucratic, hindering progress even as modern reactors grow safer and more efficient. Only two reactors have entered commercial operation since the 1970s.

In tandem, another directive accelerates research and development at national labs, supports construction of new reactors on public lands, and prioritizes nuclear power for critical defense and data infrastructure. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has called revitalizing lab-based innovation “paramount” to advancing American energy dominance.

Restoring “Gold Standard Science” in Federal Research

Trump also signed an order aimed at rebuilding public trust in federal science. The policy mandates “gold standard science,” defined as research that is reproducible, peer-reviewed, and free from political influence. The White House cited COVID-19 response controversies and “woke DEI initiatives” as factors that undermined faith in government scientists.

Criticism was directed at former NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci and policies such as politically influenced school reopening guidelines. The order seeks to prevent government researchers from being discouraged from reporting outcomes that contradict political narratives.

“Scientific methods must be transparent, falsifiable, and not dictated by ideology,” the order reads. A senior official added that the administration aims to reverse a decline in biomedical innovation and reduce instances of research fraud and misconduct.

Trump’s initiatives mark a stark pivot in federal science and energy policy. By linking energy security to digital infrastructure and defense needs, the administration asserts that nuclear power will underpin the “next generation technologies” that sustain American global leadership.

As these executive orders take effect, debate is expected over their long-term impacts on scientific freedom, environmental safety, and regulatory oversight.