The Trump administration transmitted a 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress, initiating a 90-day review period amid concerns over domestic uranium enrichment and regional proliferation.
The Trump administration has formally transmitted a proposed 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress, initiating a statutory 90-day continuous-session review window. The pact, known as a “123 agreement,” would allow U.S. firms to export civilian nuclear technology and AP1000 reactors to the kingdom. However, the implementation of the deal remains contingent on Riyadh formally joining the Abraham Accords, tying energy policy directly to the administration’s broader diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
While President Trump has publicly insisted that “there will be no enrichment of material” under the pact, the specific language of the agreement has drawn sharp criticism from constitutionalists and nonproliferation advocates. Unlike standard agreements that traditionally include a permanent ban on domestic enrichment or reprocessing, this deal envisions a U.S.-built and U.S.-operated enrichment facility subject to a two-year feasibility study. Critics argue this structure leaves the door open for future Saudi domestic enrichment, potentially undermining long-standing nonproliferation norms and sparking a regional arms race.
In the legislative branch, the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs Committees are set to lead the review. Under the Atomic Energy Act, the agreement will automatically take effect unless Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval within the 90-day window. Democrats have already signaled a strategy to force votes on proliferation safeguards, viewing the lack of a permanent enrichment ban as a significant security risk. This legislative battle occurs as the administration simultaneously manages a volatile relationship with Iran, recently deploying and then withdrawing KC-135 refueling aircraft from Bulgaria following protests from Tehran.
Simultaneously, the President’s influence over the legislative branch was reinforced in South Carolina. Darline Graham, the Trump-endorsed candidate and sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, secured the GOP Senate primary runoff victory. Despite internal party friction—including criticisms from opponent Rep. Ralph Norman, who labeled the endorsement a “head-scratcher”—Graham’s win demonstrates the President’s continued leverage over the Republican caucus. Her victory ensures a reliable vote for the administration’s agenda, as she is heavily favored to win the general election in November. This win is particularly significant for the White House as it seeks to maintain a unified front against growing domestic dissent, such as that voiced by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who recently challenged the President’s stance on beef imports and tariffs.
This convergence of executive foreign policy and congressional selection comes at a time of heightened economic tension. The administration recently implemented 50 percent tariffs on $28 billion of Canadian goods, leading Prime Minister Mark Carney to suspend trade talks. Furthermore, the White House has threatened additional 50 percent tariffs on Canadian automobiles and steel effective January 1, 2027. These protectionist measures coincide with a dip in the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which fell to 89.4 in August, reflecting public unease over the administration’s aggressive trade posture.
As the White House pursues an “economic D-Day” campaign through new sanctions on Iran, the Saudi nuclear deal represents a complex maneuver to reshape Middle Eastern alliances while testing the limits of executive authority in nuclear diplomacy. With Rep. Al Green introducing new articles of impeachment and civil rights leaders rallying for corporate transparency regarding historical ties to slavery, the administrative state finds itself under pressure from all sides. The coming 90 days will determine if Congress can exert its oversight role or if the executive branch will successfully redefine the nuclear landscape of the Middle East.
Miles Harrington serves as the Senior Correspondent for Federal Systems & Executive Power at Just Right News, where he brings a disciplined, constitutionalist lens to the inner workings of the American government. With a focus on the mechanics of the federal bureaucracy and the limits of executive authority, Harrington has established himself as a vital voice for readers who value transparency, accountability, and the preservation of the separation of powers.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Harrington’s perspective is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old Dominion. Growing up in a city defined by its historical significance and its role as a center of American jurisprudence, he developed an early appreciation for the foundational principles of the Republic. His upbringing in Richmond—a place where the legacy of the Founding Fathers is woven into the landscape—instilled in him a belief that the federal government should remain within its constitutional bounds. This background informs his skepticism of centralized overreach and his commitment to reporting on the ways in which the administrative state impacts the lives of everyday citizens.
In his current role, Harrington specializes in the complexities of federal systems. He doesn’t just report on the headlines of the day; he digs into the structural shifts within the executive branch that often go unnoticed by the mainstream press. Whether he is analyzing the implications of a new federal regulation or investigating the expansion of agency jurisdiction, his work is characterized by a rigorous adherence to the facts and a dedication to the rule of law.
Harrington is perhaps best known for his signature feature series, “How Washington Works.” Through this ongoing project, he demystifies the often-opaque processes of the nation’s capital, pulling back the curtain on the “Deep State” and the unelected officials who wield significant influence over national policy. By breaking down complex legislative maneuvers and executive orders, he empowers Just Right News readers to understand the true levers of power in Washington. His reporting serves as a necessary check on the federal government, ensuring that the actions of those in power are held up to the light of public scrutiny.
Now based in Washington, D.C., Harrington operates at the epicenter of the political world, yet he remains intentionally distanced from the “Beltway bubble.” His proximity to the halls of power allows him to maintain a robust network of sources across the federal landscape, but his heart remains in the principled conservatism of his Virginia roots. He views his role not merely as a reporter, but as a steward of the public trust, dedicated to providing the clarity and context that conservative voters need to navigate an increasingly complex political environment.
Through his sharp analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth, Miles Harrington continues to be a cornerstone of the Just Right News team. His work ensures that the principles of limited government and executive restraint remain at the forefront of the national conversation, providing a crucial service to those who believe in a government that is truly of, by, and for the people.