Layoffs are widespread at NASA, affecting numerous employees.
NASA Faces Significant Job Cuts Under Trump Administration's Deferred Resignation Program
Thousands of jobs at NASA are being eliminated under the Trump administration, primarily due to the implementation of a Deferred Resignation Program (DRP). This program has led nearly 4,000 employees – about 20% of NASA’s workforce – to opt to leave the agency.
The DRP, a buyout program aimed at workforce reduction, offers employees incentives to leave voluntarily. As a result, NASA’s workforce will decline from roughly 18,000 to about 14,000 employees by early 2026 after the second round of resignations takes effect. In addition to these voluntary resignations, NASA has lost roughly 500 workers through normal attrition.
The cuts coincide with proposals by the Trump administration to reduce NASA’s budget for fiscal year 2026 by about 24-25%, cutting funding from nearly $25 billion to about $19 billion. These reductions have raised concerns over NASA’s ability to sustain programs for Moon and Mars exploration, with some NASA centers losing significant portions of their senior and specialized staff.
The goal of the job losses is to make NASA a leaner and more efficient organization. Despite the changes, safety remains the top priority for NASA during this period of change. NASA aims to maintain its ability to pursue a "golden age of exploration and innovation," including on the Moon and Mars.
Elaine Chao was announced as the acting NASA administrator by President Trump a few weeks ago. The departure of employees is part of a phased approach to reducing NASA's workforce, in accordance with a directive.
In March, NASA announced that 23 employees, including lead scientist Katherine Calvin, were leaving. The nomination for Jared Isaacman as the NASA administrator was proposed by Trump, but was later withdrawn amid a dispute with Elon Musk.
These moves have sparked internal concerns at NASA about the potential impact on mission safety, innovation, and exploration plans. However, NASA continues to strive towards its mission of exploration and innovation, despite the challenges posed by the current administration's budget cuts and workforce reductions.
- The Commission, in line with this situation, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in the context of NASA's diminishing workforce due to budget cuts and job losses.
- Meanwhile, the science community closely watches these developments at NASA, expressing concerns about the potential impact on space-and-astronomy research, particularly in relation to Moon and Mars exploration.
- In the midst of these fiscal battles and workforce reductions, politics plays a significant role in shaping the future of NASA, with questions being raised about the long-term implications for the agency's mission in finance, general-news, and beyond.
