Fact Check: Trump fires NRC commissioner amid rising nuclear safety risks.

Fact Check: "Trump fires NRC commissioner amid rising nuclear safety risks."

What We Know

On June 16, 2025, President Donald Trump fired Christopher T. Hanson, a commissioner of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which is responsible for overseeing the safety of the nation’s nuclear reactors. The termination was communicated via email from Trent Morse, the White House Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel, stating that Hanson's position was terminated effective immediately. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly remarked that "all organizations are more effective when leaders are rowing in the same direction," implying that the decision was part of a broader strategy to align the NRC's leadership with the administration's goals (NPR).

Hanson, who had been appointed by Trump in 2020 and reappointed by President Biden in 2024, claimed he was fired "without cause," emphasizing his commitment to the NRC's independence and safety mission (AP News). Critics, including Edwin Lyman from the Union of Concerned Scientists, expressed concerns that this firing, along with other actions by the Trump administration, could undermine nuclear safety by compromising the NRC's independence (NPR, AP News).

In the context of rising nuclear safety risks, Trump's administration had previously signed executive orders aimed at reforming the NRC and promoting nuclear energy, which included significant changes to safety regulations and oversight (NPR, AP News). The NRC has historically maintained a strong safety record, and the firing of a commissioner has raised alarms about potential political interference in safety decisions (NPR, AP News).

Analysis

The claim that Trump fired an NRC commissioner amid rising nuclear safety risks is partially true. While it is accurate that Trump fired Christopher T. Hanson, the assertion that this action directly correlates with "rising nuclear safety risks" requires deeper examination.

Firing Context: Hanson's dismissal is part of a broader trend where Trump has sought to exert more control over independent regulatory agencies, which has raised concerns among experts about the potential implications for safety standards (AP News, NPR). The NRC's ability to operate independently is crucial for maintaining safety, and any perceived political influence could lead to compromised safety assessments.
Expert Opinions: Critics, including Lyman, argue that the firing could have serious implications for nuclear safety, suggesting that the NRC's decisions should be insulated from political pressures (NPR, AP News). This aligns with the historical context of the NRC, which was designed to operate independently to protect public health and safety.
Source Reliability: The sources used in this analysis include reputable news organizations such as NPR and AP News, which are known for their journalistic integrity. They provide detailed accounts of the events and include expert opinions, making them reliable for understanding the implications of the firing.

However, the claim does not provide direct evidence that nuclear safety risks have risen specifically due to this firing. While there are concerns about the NRC's independence, the actual state of nuclear safety in the U.S. is not explicitly linked to this event in the sources provided.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim is Partially True. While it is accurate that Trump fired NRC commissioner Christopher T. Hanson, the assertion that this action is directly linked to rising nuclear safety risks is more nuanced. The firing raises valid concerns about the independence of the NRC and potential implications for safety, but it does not provide concrete evidence of an immediate increase in nuclear safety risks as a direct result of this action.

Fact Check: Trump fires NRC commissioner amid rising nuclear safety risks.