The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to experience a significant reduction in its workforce, with over 20 percent of its employees being cut under President Donald Trump's initiative to streamline the federal government.
This move is part of a broader strategy to eliminate inefficiencies, fraud, and misuse of resources, as reported by The Hill.
According to the Daily Caller, the downsizing follows two rounds of the deferred resignation program, a collaborative effort between President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency. Nearly 4,000 NASA employees have exited the agency through this program, which concluded at midnight on Friday.
The first round saw approximately 870 employees opting to leave, followed by an additional 3,000 in the second round. Consequently, NASA's workforce has been reduced from 18,000 to around 14,000, as confirmed by NASA to NewsNation, The Hill's sister network.
Despite the workforce reduction, NASA remains committed to maintaining safety as a top priority. A spokesperson for the agency stated, "Safety remains a top priority for our agency as we balance the need to become a more streamlined and more efficient organization and work to ensure we remain fully capable of pursuing a Golden Era of exploration and innovation, including to the Moon and Mars."
The White House's budget proposal in May sought to decrease NASA's funding by 24 percent, slashing it from $24 billion to $18 billion. This financial adjustment has sparked concern among NASA employees, with over 300 of them penning a letter earlier this month.
The letter expressed apprehension over the cuts, stating, "We are compelled to speak up when our leadership prioritizes political momentum over human safety, scientific advancement, and efficient use of public resources." The letter further criticized the cuts as "arbitrary" and in violation of congressional appropriations law.
As NASA navigates these changes, the agency faces the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with its mission of exploration and innovation. The workforce reduction and budget cuts have raised questions about the future of NASA's ambitious projects, including missions to the Moon and Mars.
However, the agency's commitment to safety and efficiency remains steadfast, as it strives to adapt to the evolving landscape of federal government priorities.
Login