The Trump administration has reportedly fired over 300 employees from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the agency responsible for managing the nation's nuclear stockpile. This move is part of broader layoffs within the Energy Department, raising concerns about the impact on national security.
According to sources, some officials involved in the layoffs were unaware of the critical role played by the NNSA in overseeing America's nuclear weapons. While an Energy Department spokesperson disputed the number of personnel affected, stating that 'less than 50 people' were let go from NNSA, concerns remain about the loss of key staff.
Among those fired were NNSA employees stationed at facilities where nuclear weapons are manufactured. These individuals are responsible for overseeing contractors and inspecting the production of nuclear weapons. Additionally, staff at NNSA headquarters, who are involved in setting requirements and guidelines for weapon contractors, were also reportedly dismissed.
One source expressed frustration, suggesting that the firings occurred due to a lack of understanding of the importance of the NNSA's work to national security. Members of Congress have raised concerns about the layoffs, with senators reportedly meeting with Energy Secretary Chris Wright to discuss the impact of the cuts on NNSA operations.
The NNSA, which has a total staff of 1,800 across various facilities, exempted only probationary employees working in the Office of Secure Transportation from the recent firings. This office is responsible for securely transporting nuclear weapons across the country.
