The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plans to lay off approximately 1,000 employees, following an earlier reduction of 1,300 staff members. This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s initiative to decrease the federal workforce by 20% this year.
The layoffs have raised significant concerns among scientists and public safety officials. They warn that reducing NOAA’s workforce could jeopardize critical weather forecasting and climate research, potentially endangering American lives. The cuts may also impair the agency’s ability to provide accurate and timely information during natural disasters.
In addition to NOAA, other federal agencies are facing substantial staff reductions. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) anticipates over 80,000 job losses, which could adversely affect healthcare and services for veterans. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has offered $25,000 buyouts to most of its 80,000 employees, including those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) has expressed opposition to the proposed NOAA cuts. He has requested detailed information from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding the potential impact of the layoffs on NOAA’s weather, climate, and ocean missions. Van Hollen’s letter raises concerns about the legality of the layoffs and seeks clarification on how these reductions will affect the agency’s critical functions.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by advisor Elon Musk, is overseeing these workforce reductions. The department has also been involved in canceling leases of government office spaces, including key NOAA facilities. These actions have prompted criticism and warnings from various groups, as well as restrictions on federal spending and procurement practices, exacerbating issues within multiple agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
As these layoffs proceed, concerns continue to mount regarding the potential impact on public safety, scientific research, and essential government services. The full extent of these workforce reductions remains to be seen, with agencies and employees bracing for the forthcoming changes.