On May 23, President Donald Trump issued a series of sweeping executive orders to dramatically ramp up nuclear energy production in the U.S. These orders collectively aim to:
- Quadruple U.S. nuclear power capacity from 100 GW to 400 GW by 2050
- Reduce reliance on foreign uranium by enhancing domestic uranium production and enrichment
- Streamline regulatory processes to expedite the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies
- And strengthen the nuclear fuel supply chain and workforce.
This is more than a political talking point. It’s a structural pivot that could reshape the U.S. energy landscape and send ripples through uranium and nuclear-related stocks for years to come.
Let’s take a closer look at what exactly these EOs aim to do… and how investors can position themselves to profit.
Understanding Trump’s four nuclear executive orders
The U.S. currently uses about 47 million pounds of uranium per year, primarily to fuel its existing fleet of nuclear reactors.
Trump’s order sets a target of 190 million pounds per year, which reflects the anticipated demand if the U.S.:
- Builds new reactors (including advanced and small modular ones),
- Reopens closed nuclear plants,
- Uses nuclear power for non-traditional purposes (like powering AI data centers or military infrastructure),
- And reduces reliance on foreign uranium sources by producing it domestically.
Collectively, these executive orders represent a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the U.S. nuclear energy sector, emphasizing energy independence, national security, and technological innovation.
This move isn’t happening in a vacuum. We’re in dire need of power… Massive data centers, driven by the rise of generative AI, are consuming unprecedented amounts of electricity. Nuclear energy is emerging as a reliable, carbon-free solution to meet this demand. That reality is finally catching up to markets.
Uranium stocks are surging… again
After a brief selloff earlier this year, uranium stocks are back in bull mode following the EOs. The Global X Uranium ETF (URA) has bounced from $20 in April to $33—an 11-year high. That’s a 65% move in less than two months.
Individual names are ripping higher, too. Cameco recently hit an all-time high. UEC, Denison Mines, and NexGen Energy are all up roughly 25% over the past week alone.
Importantly, many of these stocks are still down 20–25% from their 2023 highs, presenting a window of opportunity for investors.
And this isn’t just a reactionary move—it’s part of a bigger structural story. With a favorable regulatory backdrop, a supportive administration, and bipartisan focus on energy security, and you’ve got the makings of a long-term bull cycle.
Stocks to watch—and one to steer clear of
If you’re looking to gain exposure to this trend, here are some options to consider:
- Cameco (CCJ) is one of the world’s largest uranium producers.
- Uranium Energy Corp. (UEC) is a smaller player with more upside potential.
But it’s important to note that not all uranium stocks are created equal. One name to be cautious of is Oklo (OKLO)—a Sam Altman-backed company with an $8 billion market cap and no revenue expected until at least 2028.
The bottom line
Trump’s recent executive orders could mark a turning point for the nuclear industry—and a major catalyst for uranium stocks.
With AI fueling record-breaking power demand and policy momentum swinging toward energy independence, this is a trend to watch closely.
For even more ways to play uranium’s upside, check out last week’s episode of Wall Street Unplugged.
