Trump Grants Saudi Arabia US Nuclear Access as Allies Eye Gains From Global Energy Push
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 26
Trump Grants Saudi Arabia US Nuclear Access as Allies Eye Gains From Global Energy Push
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 26
Summary
Saudi Arabia won access to American nuclear technology as Trump expanded a broader drive to back U.S.-linked nuclear projects worldwide.
Surging electricity demand — fueled by data-center construction and rising consumption — is driving the administration’s push for large reactors, small modular reactors and uranium supply.
Westinghouse, whose AP1000 reactor design is already used in China and planned in Eastern Europe, is expected to be part of the Saudi deal, according to people familiar with the matter.
Trump relatives, advisers, cabinet members and allied investors could profit if the nuclear buildout advances, even though the report said there is no evidence they helped arrange the Saudi agreement.
The deal fits a wider second-term pattern described in the report: policy choices that can overlap with private business interests in Trump’s orbit.
Without strict safeguards, could the new U.S.-Saudi nuclear agreement inadvertently ignite a dangerous arms race in the Middle East?
As AI power demands soar, will fast-tracking experimental reactors without traditional environmental reviews lead to an energy breakthrough or a safety disaster?