Donald Trump has fired Christopher Hanson, a Democratic commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), escalating concerns over presidential control of independent agencies. Hanson, a former NRC chair appointed by President Biden, said his termination violates precedent and law governing independent regulators.
The move follows Trump’s May executive orders to expand nuclear power and streamline reactor approvals. Trump argues these steps require unified leadership. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said agencies work better “when leaders are rowing in the same direction.”
Trump also dismissed Democratic members from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and National Labor Relations Board, and he signed an order giving the White House more oversight of agencies like the SEC and FCC.
Rep. Frank Pallone and several Senate Democrats condemned Hanson’s firing as illegal and politically motivated. The NRC now has two Democrats and two Republicans on its panel.
Hanson’s term was set to expire in 2029. Trump elevated GOP Commissioner David Wright to chair. The White House has not confirmed whether Wright will be reappointed when his term ends June 30.
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