Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Deploys Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security

5/23/2025

Fact Sheets

View Original

Action Summary

Deployment of Advanced Nuclear Technology: Rapid deployment of advanced nuclear reactors to support national security objectives, including powering AI computing infrastructure and military installations.
Domestic Military Installation Program: The Secretary of the Army is directed to establish a program to build a nuclear reactor at a domestic military site, with operations commencing within three years.
Designations and Critical Infrastructure:
- The Secretary of Energy will designate AI data centers at or in coordination with DOE facilities as critical defense facilities.
- Nuclear reactors that power these data centers are designated as defense critical electric infrastructure.
- DOE sites will work with the private sector to deploy advanced nuclear technologies within 30 months.
Regulatory and Legislative Recommendations: The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with key agencies, is tasked with providing legislative and regulatory recommendations for operating advanced nuclear reactors on military installations.
Private Sector Partnerships:
- Efforts to remove government barriers to private sector investment in nuclear technology at Federal sites.
- Release of at least 20 metric tons of high-assay, low-enriched uranium for private sector nuclear reactor projects.
- Encouragement for privately-funded nuclear fuel recycling, reprocessing, and fabrication at Federal sites.
- Exploration of categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act for reactor construction.
Promotion of American Nuclear Exports:
- The Secretary of State will lead diplomatic efforts and negotiations to expand U.S. nuclear export markets under section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act.
- Strategies to increase financing, promote nuclear trade, and support foreign adoption of nuclear energy are to be produced within 90 days.
- A program is to be implemented to expedite agreements and remove export burdens for American nuclear companies.
Enhancement of National Security and Energy Infrastructure:
- Advanced nuclear reactors will power critical defense facilities and computing infrastructure, ensuring uninterruptible, high-density power.
- Steps are taken to reduce regulatory red tape and reliance on foreign energy sources, while bolstering national security and technological supremacy in AI.
- Emphasis on enhancing energy independence and job creation through a National Energy Emergency declaration.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order’s focus on deploying advanced nuclear technologies for national security could lead to increased federal investment in nuclear energy infrastructure. This may create opportunities for research and collaboration in nuclear technology and energy policy at Vanderbilt University.
There is a potential risk of increased regulatory scrutiny and compliance requirements for institutions involved in nuclear research and partnerships with federal agencies. Vanderbilt may need to ensure its research programs align with new federal priorities and regulations.
The emphasis on AI infrastructure powered by nuclear energy could drive demand for expertise in AI and nuclear engineering, presenting opportunities for Vanderbilt’s engineering and computer science programs to expand their research and educational offerings.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with federal agencies and private sector entities may need to be reevaluated to align with the new focus on nuclear energy and AI infrastructure, potentially affecting existing collaborations and funding streams.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt School of Engineering may see increased demand for research and expertise in nuclear engineering and AI, providing opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies and private sector partners.
Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science could play a role in analyzing the geopolitical implications of the U.S. nuclear export strategy and its impact on international relations.
The Office of Research might need to adjust its strategies to accommodate new funding opportunities and compliance requirements related to nuclear energy and AI infrastructure projects.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with federal agencies for research and development in energy policy and technology may need to be strengthened to align with the new national security priorities.

Financial Impact

The reallocation of federal funds towards nuclear energy and AI infrastructure could impact the funding landscape for research institutions, potentially leading to increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure grants and contracts in these areas.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize nuclear energy and AI research. This could necessitate adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in nuclear technology and AI, particularly through collaborations with the Department of Energy and other federal agencies.
As nuclear energy becomes more prevalent in national security strategies, there could be a shift in the focus of research and educational programs at Vanderbilt, potentially affecting tuition revenue and research funding distribution.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore partnerships with the Department of Energy and Department of Defense to engage in research and development of advanced nuclear technologies. This could position the university as a leader in nuclear technology innovation and provide opportunities for faculty and students to contribute to national security objectives.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor legislative and regulatory changes related to nuclear reactor deployment and AI infrastructure. By staying informed, Vanderbilt can align its research initiatives with federal priorities and potentially secure funding for projects that support national security and energy independence.
Vanderbilt’s Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should assess opportunities for licensing and commercializing technologies related to nuclear energy and AI. Engaging with private sector partners could enhance the university’s role in advancing these critical technologies and contribute to economic growth.
The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the geopolitical implications of expanding American nuclear exports. This research can provide valuable insights into how these policies affect international relations and global energy markets, enhancing Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in international policy.
Vanderbilt’s Environmental and Energy Law Program should evaluate the environmental and legal implications of using categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act for nuclear reactor construction. This analysis can inform policy recommendations and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to expand its research on the societal impacts of nuclear energy deployment. By leveraging its expertise in policy analysis, Peabody can contribute to the design and evaluation of effective energy policies, potentially influencing national and international energy strategies.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on nuclear energy by developing new programs and partnerships with federal agencies and private sector companies. This could include joint research initiatives, student internships, and collaborative projects, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the energy sector.
The emphasis on supporting American nuclear exports offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to engage in business analysis and strategy development. By providing insights into market trends and export opportunities, the school can influence how American companies compete globally in the nuclear industry.
By engaging with the broader energy community and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on energy independence and security. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of nuclear energy policies can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative energy thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to opportunities in nuclear technology and energy policy.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.6

Timeline for Implementation

Within the next three years: The Secretary of the Army is directed to build a nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation to commence operations within the next three years.
Within 30 months: The Secretary of Energy is tasked with deploying advanced nuclear technology to power AI infrastructure at DOE sites.
Within 90 days: The Federal government must produce strategies to increase financing for U.S. nuclear projects and promote nuclear trade.

Determined the shortest deadline by comparing all provided timelines; the 90-day requirement is the most urgent.

Relevance Score: 2

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Energy (DOE): Charged with designating critical defense facilities, deploying advanced nuclear technology for AI infrastructure, releasing nuclear fuel for private projects, and facilitating nuclear fuel recycling.
Department of Defense (DoD): Tasked with coordinating with DOE, the Office of Management and Budget, and the military departments in making legislative and regulatory recommendations for the operation of advanced nuclear reactors on military installations.
Department of the Army: Directed to establish a program of record to build a nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation.
Secretaries of the Military Departments: Involved in providing recommendations and coordination regarding the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors on their respective installations.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): To coordinate with the Department of Defense and DOE on legislative and regulatory recommendations as specified in the order.
Department of State: Responsible for leading diplomatic engagement and negotiations under the Atomic Energy Act to promote American nuclear exports and expand market access for the U.S. nuclear industry abroad.

Relevance Score: 3 (Between 6 to 10 distinct government organizations are directly affected by the directives in the order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of the Army – Tasked with establishing a program of record and building a nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation.
Secretary of Energy – Directed to designate AI data centers at DOE facilities as critical defense facilities, deploy advanced nuclear technology at DOE sites, release high-assay low-enriched uranium for private sector projects, and coordinate with the Department of Defense on reactor operations and regulatory easements.
Secretary of Defense – Responsible for coordinating with the Secretary of Energy, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the military department secretaries on legislative and regulatory recommendations related to nuclear reactor operations on military installations.
Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – Instructed to work in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and other agencies on legislative and regulatory recommendations concerning advanced nuclear reactor deployment.
Secretaries of the Military Departments – Involved in the coordinated effort with the Secretary of Defense to shape legislative and regulatory recommendations regarding nuclear technologies on military installations.
Secretary of State (or his delegee) – Charged with leading diplomatic engagement, negotiating export agreements under the Atomic Energy Act, and implementing programs to enhance the global competitiveness of American nuclear companies.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives significantly affect high-level Cabinet and agency heads, impacting national security, industrial policy, and international diplomacy.)