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The U.S. nuclear industry aims to quadruple its capacity to 400 GW by 2050 under President Trump but faces substantial hurdles, including aging reactors and regulatory challenges. The Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan, slated to restart, has found thousands of brittle pipes, delaying operations.

Holtec International, the plant's owner, cannot locate essential documents needed for restart approval from the NRC. Meanwhile, small modular reactor (SMR) firms like Oklo are struggling, with Oklo's initial proposal rejected due to lack of detail, raising doubts about the feasibility of its plans to supply power by 2034. The industry is criticized for safety compromises and slow progress.