President Donald Trump has terminated Christopher Hanson, a Democratic commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), in a move highlighting his administration's increasing control over independent regulatory agencies. In a statement issued on Monday, Hanson expressed that his dismissal was made "without cause," which he argues contradicts existing law and the traditional principles surrounding the removal of appointees from independent agencies.
This dismissal coincides with Trump's broader agenda to exert influence over the NRC, an agency that has regulated the U.S. nuclear industry for over five decades. In May, Trump signed executive orders aiming to significantly increase domestic nuclear power production, setting an ambitious goal of quadrupling output within the next 25 years. Experts, however, suggest that achieving this target is highly unlikely. The executive orders now grant the U.S. Secretary of Energy enhanced authority to approve certain advanced nuclear reactor designs and projects.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the dismissal, stating in an email that "all organizations are more effective when leaders are rowing in the same direction," asserting that the Republican president retains the right to remove employees within his executive branch.
Hanson's firing follows a pattern seen in Trump's approach toward independent federal agencies. Previously, Trump dismissed two of the three Democratic commissioners at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)—the body responsible for enforcing workplace discrimination laws. Additionally, two members of the National Labor Relations Board were also relieved of their duties, while Willie Phillips, a Democratic member and former chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, stepped down at the White House's request earlier this year.
Moreover, Trump signed an executive order that provides the White House with direct control over various independent federal regulators, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission.
In response to Hanson's termination, New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone, who leads the House Energy and Commerce Committee as the top Democrat, described the actions as illegal and indicative of Trump's attempt to undermine independent agencies and consolidate power within the White House. Pallone emphasized that Congress established the NRC as an independent entity designed to remain insulated from presidential whims, thereby ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the American public.
Senate Democrats also criticized Trump's decision, arguing it represents an overreach of his authority. Senate members Sheldon Whitehouse, Patty Murray, and Martin Heinrich issued a joint statement condemning what they termed "Trump's lawlessness," raising concerns that the administration's actions threaten the NRC's ability to ensure the safety and integrity of nuclear facilities from political influences.
Hanson was originally nominated to the NRC by Trump in 2020 and later appointed as chair by President Joe Biden in January 2021. He continued as a commissioner after Trump began his second term, with his term originally set to conclude in 2029. As of now, David Wright, a Republican commissioner, is slated to serve as chair; however, uncertainty remains about his reappointment once his term expires on June 30.
Edwin Lyman, the director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, lamented Hanson's firing, describing him as a dedicated public servant who championed the NRC's mission. Lyman characterized Trump's actions as a further step in undermining the independence and integrity of an agency critical for safeguarding the nation against nuclear power plant disasters.
Following Hanson's dismissal, the NRC is left with an equal balance of two Democrats and two Republicans, although it has historically operated with fewer than the five commissioners required for full capacity.
