LIVE: Trump speaks on nuclear energy from the Oval Office

Nuclear Renaissance and Executive Orders [44:13]

• The speaker expresses hope for celebrating a historic milestone for civilian nuclear energy and the renaissance of nuclear power in America.
• They thank various officials and CEOs involved in the initiative.
• Last year, four executive orders were signed to advance America's nuclear power production.
• A pilot program for advanced reactors was established with a goal to start up at least three cutting-edge reactors safely by the 4th of July.

  "Last year, I signed four historic executive orders to reignite a wave of progress in America's nuclear power production and promote this abundant, affordable, unlimited supply of energy for the American people."

Overcoming Skepticism and Achieving Goals [46:08]

• The goal of starting up three reactors by the 4th of July was considered a miracle by many and believed to be impossible.
• Four companies succeeded in meeting the deadline, surpassing the initial goal.
• These are the first new privately funded advanced reactors to start up in the United States in over four decades.
• The safe and quick construction and testing of these groundbreaking designs required a historic partnership between companies and the administration.

  "Most believe the goal was impossible, but I'm delighted to say that four companies succeeded in meeting that deadline for the greatest in the world at this subject."

America's Return to Nuclear Leadership [46:49]

• In the past, reactor design approval often took six years or more, with many not getting approved.
• America is now building and dreaming again, leading the world in pioneering the next generation of nuclear power.
• The lead taken over the last two years is hoped to be insurmountable.
• Michael Kretzy, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, is invited to speak.

  "In the past, it often took six years or more to approve a reactor design, if they were ever approved at all."

CEOs Share Perspectives on Nuclear Advancement [48:50]

• CEOs of nuclear energy companies express gratitude for the leadership that catalyzed the nuclear renaissance.
• They note that many initially scoffed at the ambitious goals, but four companies met the moment.
• Companies like Antares aim to be a resilient energy source for high-powered assets in space and undersea autonomy.
• The strategic importance of nuclear technology for the nation is emphasized, with plans to place reactors on military installations before 2028.

  "Mr. President, thank you so much for your leadership. It was really your executive orders that catalyzed this nuclear renaissance."

Historical Context and Future Vision [49:22]

• The United States has a history of leadership in nuclear energy, being the first to turn on an advanced reactor and any nuclear reactor globally.
• Over the last 30 years, the focus shifted from power plants to PowerPoint.
• The executive orders are seen as a catalyst for future nuclear power applications, enabling steel and aluminum production, and space exploration.
• The CEOs express honor in serving the country and being part of this moment.

  "But over the last 30 years, we became more interested in PowerPoint than in power plants. And it's your leadership that is changing that."

Unlocking Cheap and Abundant Energy [50:11]

• The audacious and bold goal set by the President was initially considered impossible by most.
• The American spirit was unlocked through the President's vision, the Department of Energy, and the Idaho National Laboratory.
• This moment is historic and marks a turning point for nuclear energy, unlocking cheap and abundant energy.
• Companies are now raising significant capital and expanding facilities, targeting data centers as a market.

  "Um, as some of the other CEOs have said, um, most people thought this was impossible."

Energy Dominance and Future of Energy [51:28]

• The creation of the Energy Dominance Council aimed to unlock new forms of energy.
• Nuclear energy is presented as a key investment in green energy that will solve future energy demands.
• It is described as base load energy that will provide solutions for the future.
• Idaho National Laboratory, which first demonstrated nuclear power in 1951, has seen significant collaboration between government, private industry, and laboratories, driven by the President's executive orders.

  "People ask us all the time about green energy and I say if you want to invest in green energy, invest in nuclear."

International Relations and Energy Policy [52:37]

• A question arises about the Saudi nuclear deal and its negotiation.
• The President clarifies that Saudi Arabia must be a member of the Abraham Accords for the deal to proceed.
• The Abraham Accords are highlighted as successful in bringing peace to the Middle East.
• The President also discusses Iran, stating they cannot have a nuclear weapon and that negotiations are ongoing.

  "No, nobody got out ahead. I mean, I just say that in order to do it, they have to be a member of the Abraham Accords, which have been very successful, but it's time now that they do it."

Energy Dominance and Criticism of Windmills [1:02:45]

• The discussion shifts to energy policy, with a focus on windmills.
• The President expresses strong criticism of windmills, calling them ugly, inefficient, and harmful to the environment.
• He contrasts this with nuclear power, which he supports as a reliable and affordable energy source.
• The administration has not approved any new windmill projects.

  "They are unsightly. They ruin housing values of people if you're looking at a windmill or hearing a windmill cuz they're noisy. They kill all the birds. They kill all the eagles."

Nuclear Power as Key to Energy Dominance [1:07:23]

• The concept of "nuclear dominance" is discussed in terms of what it looks like for the American people.
• The President's policies are credited with leading to the lowest-priced and most secure energy in the world.
• This includes policies on LNG exports, Venezuela's oil production, and unleashing Alaska's energy potential.
• Nuclear energy is highlighted as a key part of reliable, affordable, 24/7 energy, alongside other sources like hydro, geothermal, oil, gas, and coal.

  "So today we have the lowest priced most secure energy of any country in the world. That's going to change change the course of this country for decades to come."

Leaks, Journalists, and National Security [1:08:39]

• The Justice Department withdrew subpoenas against New York Times journalists.
• The President states the administration is after leakers, not journalists, and that finding leakers sometimes involves journalists.
• He compares the situation to past instances where journalists were pressured to reveal sources, including leaks of Supreme Court opinions.
• The President believes that in cases involving national security, it is acceptable to pressure journalists to reveal sources.

  "We're not after journalists. We're after leakers. We're after people that are cowards, people that are unpatriotic, people that are treasonous in many cases."

Iran Negotiations and Military Options [1:01:04]

• The President discusses ongoing talks with Iran, emphasizing that they cannot have a nuclear weapon.
• He outlines two potential strategies: continuing current actions or negotiating a deal.
• The administration is prepared for military action if necessary, describing themselves as "locked and loaded."
• The President believes Iran is becoming more serious about negotiations.

  "They cannot have a nuclear weapon. You know, very very simple actually, but it's a it's a big deal."

Election Integrity and Voter ID [1:12:47]

• The President expresses strong support for voter ID laws and proof of citizenship.
• He criticizes Democrats for opposing these measures, suggesting it's because they cheat.
• He also discusses the importance of ballots and the need for secure election processes.
• The recent mayoral election in Los Angeles is cited as an example of potential election irregularities.

  "Look, who cannot approve voter ID? Who cannot approve proof of citizenship?"

Sports and Political Commentary [1:16:15]

• The President is asked about LeBron James versus Michael Jordan and expresses a preference for Jordan.
• He discusses his involvement in resolving disputes for athletes like Bryson DeChambeau and a US men's soccer team red card.
• He views his role not as a fixer but as someone who can offer opinions and reviews on calls.
• The President also touches on tariffs and their impact on the US economy, stating they have brought significant investment.

  "Well, Michael Jordan's a guy that's a friend of mine. Play golf with him. He's a really good guy. And I think LeB LeBron is maybe he's a racist, but maybe he doesn't like Trump. I don't know."