Trump fires nuclear safety commissioner without cause

In the United States, President Donald Trump terminated Christopher T. Hanson, a commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, who was appointed in 2020 during the Biden administration, and this event took place on a Friday in June 2025. Trump's decision is part of a broader initiative to consolidate control over independent regulatory bodies, affecting agencies that oversee areas such as nuclear safety. Trump's administration has been criticized for undermining the autonomy of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which has been responsible for regulating nuclear reactors for over five decades. The specifics of the termination, communicated through an email from Trent Morse, the White House Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel, indicated that Hanson's position was terminated effective immediately. Hanson expressed disappointment in a public statement, highlighting his commitment to maintaining the independence and integrity of the NRC, which is often regarded as a gold-standard institution for nuclear safety. The timing of this dismissal was controversial, especially considering it coincided with the administration's move to reform the NRC's safety regulations and increase nuclear power production, as outlined in an executive order signed by Trump just weeks prior. Observers, including Edwin Lyman from the Union of Concerned Scientists, voiced concerns about the implications of removing such an independent oversight voice at a time when the agency is tasked with ensuring the health and safety of the public against potential nuclear hazards. The NRC is a pivotal agency that was designed by Congress to operate independently from presidential influence, established to ensure nuclear power plants are safely monitored without any external pressures. The agency typically comprises five commissioners appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Trump's firing of Hanson was perceived as an alarming trend that may lead to weaker regulatory oversight, resulting in potential risks to public safety, especially when the agency faces pressures to boost the nuclear industry amid calls for sustainable energy production. The move has drawn significant backlash from lawmakers and industry observers alike, who are concerned about the long-term effects on nuclear safety and the independence of regulatory bodies. Hanson's removal has left the commission with an even split between Democratic and Republican members, raising questions about future decision-making and the overall direction of the agency under the Trump administration. With discussions around nuclear energy growing in intensity, the consequences of this dismissal may extend beyond immediate governance, influencing the broader dialogue on energy policies and public health safety standards in the United States.