President Trump fired Christopher Hanson, a Democratic member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), in a move Hanson called illegal.

Hanson said he was terminated without cause, violating laws protecting independent agency appointees. Although a Democrat, Hanson was nominated by Trump in 2020.

The White House defended the firing, saying leaders should align with the president’s agenda. The NRC confirmed Hanson’s departure but gave no details.

This action follows similar attempts by the administration to remove Democrats from independent commissions, despite a recent court ruling that deemed such firings illegal, The Hill has reported.

Critics warn Hanson’s removal threatens nuclear safety as the administration pushes to loosen regulations and expand nuclear power.

Written by B.C. Begley