Thousands of federal workers have received layoff notices as the Trump administration implements extensive cost-cutting measures across various government sectors. Despite these sweeping layoffs, certain agencies with critical functions, such as nuclear security and public health, are reportedly preserving jobs.
– The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) acknowledged in a statement to NBC News that it mistakenly terminated several employees vital to the federal response against the H5N1 bird flu virus, stating it would “work to swiftly rectify” these firings to restore frontline public safety roles monitoring this outbreak.
– Reports from last week indicate that officials attempted to reinstate some employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)—responsible for overseeing nuclear weapons—but faced challenges in reaching some of these workers regarding their rehiring.
– An employee at the NNSA informed NPR that around 300 of the agency’s 1,800 staff members were set to be laid off. However, a spokesperson for the Energy Department later stated that fewer than 50 layoffs had actually occurred.
– Approximately 950 employees from the Department of Health and Human Services‘ Indian Health Service received phone calls on Friday announcing layoffs, only to be informed hours later that those cuts were rescinded. Newly confirmed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly reversed the layoffs after expressions of concern from lawmakers and nonprofit organizations over the impact on essential health services for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.
– Additionally, a federal judge ordered the reinstatement of Cathy Harris, who was dismissed from her role leading the Merit Systems Protection Board for reasons beyond the authority granted to Trump, who can only remove appointees for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance.
NASA Layoffs Status
Employees at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston learned Tuesday night that they would not be affected by the impending layoff plan, which initially raised expectations that around 1,000 workers might be laid off. NASA stated it was following guidance from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) but deemed it “premature” to discuss the implications for the agency’s workforce at that time.
Reversal of NNSA Layoffs
The rationale behind reversing layoffs at the NNSA remains unclear. The agency is in a crucial period, working to modernize the U.S. nuclear infrastructure. Concerns about operational staffing have been voiced by Congress, especially after comments from the former NNSA administrator, Jill Hruby, regarding the agency’s increasing workload since the Manhattan Project.
Reversal of Indian Health Service Layoffs
The layoffs at the Indian Health Service, which would have affected vital healthcare providers, were halted amidst backlash. Senator Patty Murray and Representative Greg Stanton highlighted the potential adverse effects on healthcare access for millions of Native Americans, with tribal organizations warning of severe repercussions for tribal citizens.
Reasons for Federal Layoffs
The mass federal layoffs are seen as a result of initiatives from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency under the Trump administration, which quickly enacted cuts across multiple agencies, notably excluding the Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security thus far. Various agencies have faced layoffs, including the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and others, while the administration also offered voluntary buyouts to staff, securing participation from around 75,000 workers.
What To Watch For
It remains to be seen whether the federal government will seek to contest additional firings. The administration is focusing on laying off thousands of probationary employees, leading to legal uncertainties regarding the legitimacy of these actions. Several lawsuits have emerged over firings, including challenges from the United States Agency for International Development and eight inspectors general who argue their dismissals violate federal regulations.
