Science Directives
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.
Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources
This executive order establishes a US policy to accelerate responsible development of seabed mineral resources, citing national security and economic interests in securing critical minerals independent of foreign adversaries.
The order directs several federal agencies to streamline permitting processes, increase investment in deep-sea technologies, and engage in international partnerships to develop domestic supply chains and counter China's influence in the sector.
It also mandates reporting on various aspects of seabed mineral resource development, including assessments of environmental impacts, economic feasibility, and international cooperation.
Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth
This Presidential order aims to improve AI literacy and proficiency in the US by establishing a White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education.
The Task Force will oversee a Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge, public-private partnerships for K-12 AI education, and initiatives to enhance educator training and expand apprenticeships in AI-related fields.
The order emphasizes early exposure to AI concepts to prepare students for the future workforce and encourage innovation in the field.
The initiative will leverage existing Federal AI resources and funding mechanisms whenever possible.
White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
This executive order establishes the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The initiative aims to bolster HBCUs by increasing private-sector involvement, fostering public-private partnerships, improving access to federal funding, strengthening their administrative capacities, and promoting innovation and excellence in research and education.
It also creates a President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs and revokes previous related executive orders.