Defense Directives
Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
President Trump's executive order directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to undergo significant restructuring and regulatory reform.
The order aims to accelerate the licensing and deployment of new nuclear reactors, expand US nuclear energy capacity, and re-establish American global leadership in nuclear energy.
Key components involve revising outdated safety models, streamlining licensing processes with fixed deadlines, and reorganizing the NRC to promote efficiency.
The stated goal is to improve energy independence, stimulate economic growth and create high-paying jobs while maintaining a high standard of nuclear safety.
Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy
President Trump issued an executive order to significantly accelerate advanced nuclear reactor development and deployment in the United States.
The order streamlines the Department of Energy's processes for reviewing and approving reactor projects, reformulates existing environmental review processes according to NEPA guidelines, and launches a pilot program to build reactors outside of national laboratories.
The goal is to have at least three reactors operational by July 4, 2026, leveraging decades of research to generate a reliable, diversified, and affordable energy supply and strengthen national security.
Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base
President Trump's executive order prioritizes the revitalization of the American nuclear energy industry.
The order mandates multiple actions by federal agencies, including developing a national policy for spent nuclear fuel management, expanding domestic uranium production and enrichment, utilizing the Defense Production Act to secure voluntary agreements with domestic nuclear energy companies, and funding the expansion of nuclear energy related workforce development.
The overarching goal is to achieve energy independence, strengthen national security, and establish American energy dominance.
Restoring Gold Standard Science
President Trump's May 23, 2025, executive order, "Restoring Gold Standard Science," aims to rebuild public trust in federal science.
The order mandates that agencies adopt "Gold Standard Science" principles, emphasizing reproducibility, transparency, and unbiased peer review.
It addresses concerns about misleading scientific information used in past government decisions, encouraging agencies to readily share data, acknowledge uncertainties, and apply a weight-of-evidence approach to analyses.
The order also reinstates pre-2021 scientific integrity policies, revokes certain related changes from 2021-2025, and promotes internal agency processes to investigate violations.
National Maritime Day, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's May 22, 2025 proclamation designates May 22nd as National Maritime Day, commemorating the S.S. Savannah's transatlantic voyage and honoring the United States Merchant Marine. The proclamation emphasizes the crucial role of merchant mariners in national defense, having supported military operations throughout history, and their importance to the American economy through global trade.
President Trump also highlights the recent Executive Order focused on restoring American maritime dominance through investment in shipbuilding, regulatory reform, and expanded training.
The proclamation concludes with a call for Americans to observe the day and display the national flag.
President Donald J. Trump's 2025 proclamation designates the third Saturday of May as Armed Forces Day.
The proclamation praises the service and sacrifice of America's military personnel across all branches, highlighting increased recruitment numbers and expressing gratitude for their dedication to national security and humanitarian missions.
It encourages Americans to display the flag and participate in local Armed Forces Day observances, furthering public understanding and appreciation.
President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates May 9, 2025, as Military Spouse Day, expressing gratitude for the unwavering devotion and sacrifices of military spouses.
The proclamation highlights the significant challenges military spouses face, particularly high unemployment and wage gaps, while also acknowledging past and ongoing efforts to improve employment opportunities within the Federal Government.
It calls upon Americans to honor military spouses with ceremonies and activities, emphasizing their vital role in supporting the nation's armed forces.
Vcitory Day for World War II, 2025
President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring May 8, 2025, as Victory Day for World War II. The proclamation commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe, paying tribute to the sacrifices of American servicemen and women who fought against Nazi Germany and its allies.
It emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace through strength and expresses renewed commitment to safeguarding the nation's freedom and security.