With the firing of an unelected bureaucrat, President Donald Trump is sending a clear message: federal agencies must align with the administration’s broader plans.
Specifically, the president asserted what he believes is his executive authority over the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by firing Democrat-appointed Commissioner Christopher Hanson.
Hanson claims the firing was illegal and without cause, setting up a clash over the independence of regulatory agencies.
The move signals the president’s determination to streamline America’s nuclear energy production and remove obstacles to his “energy dominance” agenda.
Hanson, who was initially nominated by President Trump in 2020 but later appointed as NRC chair by Joe Biden in 2021, took to LinkedIn to voice his grievances.
He claimed the removal was “without cause” and contrary to established law governing independent agencies.
The White House has defended the president’s decision as within his constitutional authority.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated that President Trump “reserves the right to remove employees within his own Executive Branch who exert his executive authority.”
She also added that “all organizations are more effective when leaders are rowing in the same direction.”
This position aligns with the president’s broader strategy to assert control over independent regulatory agencies, recently bolstered by a Supreme Court decision in May.
President Trump’s actions come as part of his energy strategy, which includes promoting the development of new small nuclear reactors.
A recent executive order signed called for the NRC to streamline its licensing decisions to support nuclear power expansion.
Despite Democrat outcry, the NRC will continue to function with its current composition of two Republicans and two Democrats.
NRC spokesperson Scott Burnell confirmed that the agency can operate with fewer than five commissioners, ensuring no disruption to America’s nuclear safety oversight.
President Trump has already appointed David Wright as the new chair, signaling his intention to maintain the commission’s important work while aligning it with his administration’s priorities.
In response, Democrats have rushed to criticize the president’s decision. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Martin Heinrich, and Patty Murray claimed Trump “overstepped his authority,” while Rep. Frank Pallone called the move illegal.
The president’s decisive action comes at a critical time for America’s energy sector.
The Trump administration has consistently prioritized energy dominance, with nuclear power playing an essential role in that strategy.
By removing potential obstacles to his agenda, President Trump is ensuring that America can compete globally in nuclear technology while maintaining appropriate safety standards.
While critics worry about the NRC’s independence, supporters see this as part of necessary reforms to make government work for the American people again.
The agency’s bipartisan structure remains intact, with equal representation from both parties.
