On Thursday evening, officials from the Trump administration dismissed over 300 employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the agency responsible for managing the U.S. nuclear stockpile, amid wider layoffs within the Energy Department. Reports suggest that some officials were unaware of NNSA’s critical role in overseeing nuclear weapons.
While an Energy Department spokesperson contended that fewer than 50 staff members were let go, mainly from administrative roles, many affected included on-site employees at nuclear facilities and those at headquarters who set guidelines for contractors. Following pushback from Congress, the agency began rescinding the terminations the next day.
Concerns were raised regarding the implications of such job cuts on national security, particularly as the NNSA is instrumental in nuclear deterrence. On Friday, acting NNSA administrator Teresa Robbins indicated that the remaining probationary employees would have their positions reinstated, though the situation remained uncertain.
The firings reportedly stemmed from pressures related to perceived staff performance, leading to resignations within the HR department. The NNSA not only manages nuclear weapons but also safeguards nuclear materials across the country, a mission underscored by recent geopolitical tensions.