The Trump administration is launching another significant round of job cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), impacting over 1,000 positions. According to several sources, the agency has begun laying off 10% of its workforce. This decision was communicated to employees, with managers instructed to propose positions for elimination. These recommendations will be forwarded to the Department of Commerce.
Reliable information from former NOAA officials indicates that this round of cuts will eliminate approximately 1,029 jobs from NOAA’s current total of 10,290 employees. Many staff members within the agency expressed concern about the layoffs but preferred to remain anonymous due to fears of negative repercussions.
NOAA is better known to the public for its weather forecasts, but it also plays a critical role in monitoring severe weather events, managing fisheries, and safeguarding marine environments. The agency is responsible for early warnings about hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters, providing vital information that protects lives and property.
These layoffs come on the heels of previous cuts made by the Trump administration and the halting of new hiring last month, which has led to a significant reduction in NOAA’s personnel since Donald Trump took office. In total, around 25% of jobs will have been eliminated.
Critics, including former NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, argue that these cuts compromise the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission effectively. They point out that the lack of clear guidance from the administration about the cuts makes the situation even more troubling.
NOAA has paused the release of weather balloons in two key locations due to staffing shortages, which could negatively impact weather forecasting abilities just as severe storms are predicted to sweep across the central and southern U.S.
Concerns are mounting that these job losses and cuts to research funding will hinder the nation’s progress in weather prediction and climate monitoring. Some experts warn that this could lead to a decline in the U.S.’s status as a leader in technological advancements related to weather and environmental science.
The ongoing staffing reductions at NOAA signal a troubling trend for the agency’s future capabilities and the safety of Americans who rely on accurate weather information.
