The Trump administration has executed a sweeping dismissal of hundreds of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States' foremost climate research institution. The sudden decision affected probationary employees, who constitute approximately 10% of NOAA's workforce. These employees, still within their two-year probationary period, hold at-will employment status and possess minimal labor protections.
On Thursday afternoon, the Department of Commerce, which oversees NOAA, sent emails notifying these employees that their positions would be terminated by the end of the day. This move has sparked significant backlash from various quarters, including lawmakers and former NOAA officials.
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren condemned the firings as "callous, insulting, vengeful and offensive." Senator Chris Van Hollen echoed this sentiment, describing the layoffs as "flatly illegal" in a letter addressed to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The Union of Concerned Scientists, a climate non-profit organization, has also entered the fray, submitting a letter signed by over 2,500 scientific experts demanding that NOAA’s funding and staffing remain intact.
Former NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad criticized the cuts, describing them as "dangerously risky to the lives and property of Americans all around the country." Craig McLean, another former director at NOAA, warned that "the nation will be compromised in safety, science and international standing by these reckless, blind acts."
The dismissals threaten to undermine NOAA's critical role in providing extreme weather forecasts, climate data, and monitoring fisheries sustainably—services that are crucial for ordinary Americans. The loss of seasoned experts at NOAA is expected to result in a significant depletion of institutional knowledge and expertise.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had assured Congress during his confirmation hearing that NOAA would not face dismantling under his leadership. However, these mass layoffs suggest otherwise, prompting accusations of deceit from Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto.
“It seems either Lutnick willingly lied to Congress and the American people or that he has caved in record-breaking time to the destructive agenda of the Trump-Musk regime,” said Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto.
One anonymous staffer affected by the layoffs expressed profound dismay at the actions taken.
“These indiscriminate cuts are cruel and thoughtless,” stated the anonymous staffer, emphasizing the severe impact on both NOAA personnel and the broader American populace.
As the dust settles on this contentious decision, the ramifications for NOAA's operations are already of great concern. The agency's ability to fulfill its mission could be severely hampered—a prospect that has alarmed scientists and citizens alike.