The move comes as Trump pushes for a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, focusing on energy infrastructure.
According to The New York Times, Mr. Trump made this proposal during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on March 19.
The US ownership of those power plants would be the best protection for Ukraines critical infrastructure and would strengthen the countrys energy security, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary Marco Rubio said in a joint statement after the phone call.
The president said the US could provide significant assistance in the operation of these plants thanks to its expertise in electricity and energy utilities, the statement added.
Mr Trump's proposal is said to be related to a mineral deal between the US and Ukraine, which is seen as Kiev's way of returning military support from Washington.
The deal was previously suspended by Trump after a tense meeting with Zelensky at the Trump Department on February 28. Although Mr Zelensky has taken steps to help heal relations with the US, the mineral deal has yet to make progress.
According to the New York Times, Mr. Trump views controlling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant - currently in Russia's hands - as a key factor to expand Ukraine's important mineral exploitation activities. The plant is located right on the front line of the conflict in southeastern Ukraine.
In a statement after the phone call, President Zelensky did not mention plans for the US to control nuclear power plants or a mineral deal. However, he supported the partial ceasefire initiative proposed by the US leader and pledged to continue working closely with the White House.
We agree that Ukraine and the US need to continue cooperation to achieve a real end to the conflict and a lasting peace. We believe that together with the United States, under the leadership of President Trump, sustainable peace can be achieved this year, Zelensky said.
The phone call between Trump and Zelensky comes just a day after Trump and Putin had a two-and-a-half-hour exchange on a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
