Science Directives
Enhancing National Security by Addressing Risks at Harvard University
President Trump issued a proclamation suspending the entry of foreign nationals seeking to attend Harvard University under student or exchange visitor programs.
The action cites concerns over Harvard's alleged failure to cooperate with federal investigations into national security risks and alleged misconduct among foreign students, insufficient discipline of student conduct violations, and extensive ties to foreign governments, including adversaries.
It also alleges discrimination against American students and faculty.
The president asserts that these actions are necessary to protect national security and uphold the rule of law.
The proclamation sets forth specific procedures including a 90-day review to determine whether to extend the suspension.
Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security
This executive order establishes a comprehensive policy to accelerate the development, deployment, and export of advanced nuclear reactor technologies for national security purposes.
It directs several federal agencies to implement specific programs, including deploying nuclear reactors at military bases and Department of Energy facilities, allocating resources for related research and development, and aggressively promoting American nuclear exports through diplomatic and financial initiatives.
The order also emphasizes compliance with environmental regulations and seeks to streamline permits and approvals.
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Key components involve revising outdated safety models, streamlining licensing processes with fixed deadlines, and reorganizing the NRC to promote efficiency.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.
Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research
President Trump issued an executive order addressing concerns about dangerous gain-of-function research on biological agents.
The order mandates an immediate end to federal funding of such research conducted by foreign entities in countries lacking adequate oversight.
It also directs the revision of existing policies to strengthen oversight, increase accountability, and improve public transparency.
Further, the order outlines strategies to manage risks associated with non-federally funded research and implement strong enforcement mechanisms, including potential penalties for non-compliance.
World Intellectual Property Day, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates April 26, 2025, as World Intellectual Property Day.
The proclamation emphasizes the crucial role of intellectual property in American innovation and economic prosperity, highlighting the administration's efforts to protect American inventions and creations, both domestically and internationally.
This includes actions like promoting trade deals that secure better intellectual property protections and using tariffs to deter theft.
The proclamation underscores the historical significance of intellectual property rights entrenched in the US Constitution and the importance of continued technological leadership for the nation's future.