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The Trump administration has reversed many of the previously announced layoffs at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), leaving employees uncertain about their job status. The Department of Energy confirmed on Sunday that fewer than 50 workers were ultimately dismissed, significantly lower than the 325 initially reported to have been let go.
The confusion began on Friday when sources revealed that the NNSA had sent termination notices to 325 employees. The NNSA, which is responsible for managing the nation’s nuclear weapons arsenal and overseeing global nuclear non-proliferation efforts, employs approximately 2,000 people. The layoffs caused immediate turmoil within the agency, particularly as the organization plays a crucial role in handling nuclear security amid ongoing global conflicts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine.
However, by late Friday, a portion of those layoffs was rescinded, leading to widespread uncertainty and chaos in NNSA offices across the country. Many employees were unsure whether they still had jobs, and managers struggled to understand the abrupt change in policy.
Less Than 50 Employees Ultimately Dismissed
On Sunday, a Department of Energy spokesperson clarified that fewer than 50 employees were ultimately dismissed.
“These staff members were probationary employees and held primarily administrative and clerical roles,” the spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson also reassured that the NNSA would continue its essential responsibilities, including nuclear security, atomic weapons development, and non-proliferation efforts worldwide.
Layoffs Part of a Broader Government Purge
The cuts at NNSA are part of a broader wave of dismissals across various federal agencies under the Trump administration. In coordination with his adviser Elon Musk, President Trump has overseen mass layoffs at several departments, including the Departments of Interior, Energy, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services. Thousands of federal employees have already been let go as part of this restructuring effort.
One NNSA source described the situation as chaotic, explaining that managers were initially instructed on Thursday evening to inform affected employees of their termination. However, on Friday, those same managers received an urgent email directing them to halt all termination actions immediately.
“STOP ALL ACTIONS WITH TERMINATIONS,” the email reportedly read. Some managers were then asked to justify the continued employment of certain workers, adding to the uncertainty and confusion.
“It’s nuts,” one NNSA source said, expressing frustration over the sudden policy shifts.
Another NNSA official noted that the turmoil distracted employees from their critical national security responsibilities. “This kind of uncertainty undermines our work, which is crucial to national security,” the source explained.
Democratic Lawmakers Condemn Layoffs
The abrupt layoffs and subsequent reversals have drawn strong criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who condemned the firings as reckless and potentially dangerous.
Senator Patty Murray and Representative Marcy Kaptur issued a joint statement denouncing the actions taken by the Trump administration.
“Until such time as we are briefed on these developments, we will not know the damage to our country and the world as a result of these haphazard and thoughtless firings,” the statement read.
The situation has raised concerns over how these government-wide cuts could impact national security and nuclear oversight, with many calling for further investigations into the administration’s handling of federal workforce reductions. The uncertainty surrounding the NNSA firings has left both employees and lawmakers questioning the long-term consequences of these decisions.
