The recent firing of Christopher Hanson from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by President Trump has reignited concerns over the nation's nuclear safety. Hanson, who had received bipartisan support and was initially appointed by Trump in 2020, claimed his dismissal was unprecedently without cause. Critics speculate that this move may undermine critical safety regulations that he advocated for, contrasting with Trump's push for deregulation. A White House spokesperson suggested the firing was politically motivated, and some observers argue Trump lacked the authority for such an action, raising further questions about political interference within independent agencies.
Critics warn that the United States may soon be taking on more nuclear safety risks after Donald Trump fired one of five members of an independent commission that monitors the country's nuclear reactors.
Hanson had enjoyed bipartisan support for his work for years. Trump initially appointed Hanson to the NRC in 2020, then he was renominated by Joe Biden in 2024.
In a statement to NPR, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly suggested it was a political firing.
On social media, some Trump critics suggested that Trump lacked the authority to fire Hanson, arguing that Hanson could have ignored the email and kept on working.
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