NRC Job Ad Sparks Backlash Over Political Loyalty Questions

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is facing criticism after a recent job advertisement asked candidates how they would “advance the President’s Executive Orders and policy priorities” and pledge support for U.S. founding principles. The posting, for a senior operations engineer charged with inspecting operating reactors, also queries applicants on government efficiency and explicitly bars use of artificial intelligence in answers. Former NRC chair Greg Jaczko said the questions amount to a “political litmus test” that would undermine professional expertise at the agency, which was created to operate independently of the White House. Under previous administrations, NRC job notices focused almost exclusively on technical qualifications, according to current and former staff. The advert appears as President Donald Trump accelerates efforts to overhaul the regulator. Executive orders signed in May direct the NRC to decide on new reactor licences within 18 months, part of a broader push to expand nuclear power to meet surging electricity demand from artificial-intelligence data centres. Trump last month dismissed Democratic commissioner Chris Hanson, and a representative from the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency is now working inside the agency. NRC spokesman Scott Burnell said the agency is complying with Office of Personnel Management requirements for federal hiring. The controversy adds to wider concerns among ex-officials and some lawmakers that political pressure and staff departures could erode the commission’s independence and, ultimately, nuclear-safety oversight.