The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to cut more than 2,100 senior NASA employees, sparking major concerns about the future of the space agency’s missions and expertise. According to documents reviewed by a common source, the plan targets 2,145 employees in senior roles, including those with specialised skills and management experience.
Out of those affected, around 1,818 are currently working in key mission areas such as science and human spaceflight. The rest are from mission support departments like information technology, management and finance. These individuals are part of the GS-13 to GS-15 government ranking levels, representing the backbone of NASA’s technical and strategic operations.
The Trump administration has reportedly offered early retirement, buyouts and deferred resignation options to ease the transition. This move comes alongside a proposed 2026 White House budget that includes a 25 percent reduction in NASA funding. If approved by Congress, the staff count could be reduced by nearly 5,000 employees, potentially giving NASA one of its smallest budgets since the 1960s.
When asked about the job cuts, NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens said, “NASA remains committed to our mission as we work within a more prioritized budget.”
This development follows a series of layoffs and program cuts since President Trump returned to office for his second term in January. Many science programs are at risk of cancellation, and the agency’s 18,000-strong workforce is being reshaped amid broader changes in US space policy.
Adding to the shake-up, President Trump recently appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as NASA’s temporary administrator. The role has been vacant after Trump withdrew his original nominee. The decision was seen as a setback for billionaire Elon Musk, whose close associate and private astronaut Jared Isaacman was widely expected to be considered for the position.
As these changes unfold, concerns continue to grow over how NASA will maintain its leadership in space exploration with reduced staff and resources.
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