President Trump has dismissed Christopher T. Hanson from his position as a commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This decision, which took effect immediately, was announced in an email from the White House Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel, Trent Morse. The email did not provide specific reasons for the termination.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly explained that the President has the authority to remove officials within his administration to ensure that leadership is aligned. She emphasized that having leaders "rowing in the same direction" is vital for effective governance.
Hanson, who was appointed by President Biden in 2020 and reappointed in 2024, expressed his disappointment over being fired "without cause." In a statement, he highlighted his commitment to maintaining the NRC’s independence and integrity, which he believes is essential for ensuring public safety and environmental protection.
The NRC, established by Congress in 1974, is responsible for regulating nuclear reactors and protecting the public from radiation exposure. It is typically overseen by five commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The agency has a history of operating effectively even with fewer than five commissioners.
Following Hanson’s dismissal, the NRC stated that it can continue its work without him. Some experts in the nuclear field have raised concerns about the implications of this decision. Edwin Lyman, a director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, warned that the administration’s actions could undermine nuclear safety. He stressed the importance of the NRC making decisions based on safety rather than the financial interests of the nuclear industry.
This change comes as President Trump signed an executive order aimed at reforming the NRC. The order calls for a comprehensive review of the agency’s safety regulations and suggests potential staff reductions. It also seeks to reassess certain radiation safety standards. This push for reform is part of a broader effort to promote the nuclear industry, which included the presence of industry executives during the signing of the orders.
The NRC has been credited with maintaining a strong safety record in the U.S. nuclear sector, especially following the partial meltdown at the Three Mile Island plant in 1979. The agency’s independence has traditionally been respected, making Hanson’s firing a significant event in the ongoing discussion about nuclear safety and regulation in the country.