Hundreds of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have been laid off as part of the Trump administration’s sweeping effort to reduce the size of the federal government. The move has triggered strong backlash from lawmakers, scientists, and former NOAA officials, who warn of severe risks to public safety, economic stability, and national security.
The layoffs, which began on February 27, targeted probationary employees—those with less than two years of service or who had recently been promoted or transferred. The Commerce Department, which oversees NOAA, issued termination notices, with some employees given as little as two hours to leave their offices, according to NPR.
Weather Forecasting at Risk
NOAA plays a crucial role in weather forecasting, particularly for extreme events like hurricanes, floods, and winter storms. Its National Weather Service (NWS) recently issued warnings for deadly flooding in Kentucky and severe winter storms across the U.S. With NWS employees heavily affected by the layoffs, experts fear a decline in the accuracy and speed of weather predictions.
Former NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad called the move “dangerously risky” in an interview with The Guardian, warning that the loss of experienced staff could leave Americans more vulnerable to natural disasters. Representative Zoe Lofgren echoed the concern, stating, “This will cost American lives.”
Economic and Security Concerns
Beyond weather forecasting, NOAA’s work supports industries such as agriculture, shipping, and aviation, contributing to over a third of the U.S. GDP. Senator Maria Cantwell slammed the layoffs as a direct threat to the economy, telling Axios that NOAA’s specialized workforce is vital for businesses that depend on accurate weather and climate data.
The move has also sparked national security concerns. Retired Navy oceanographer Timothy Gallaudet warned that cutting NOAA’s workforce could undermine maritime safety, military operations, and global trade.
Scientists Condemn “Reckless” Firings
The decision has been widely criticized by scientists and former NOAA leaders. Five former NOAA administrators issued an open letter warning that defunding the agency would “severely impact our nation’s economy” and weaken critical weather monitoring.
Craig McLean, former director of NOAA research, called the firings “callous, insulting, vengeful, and offensive,” adding that the decision will damage the nation’s scientific leadership. The Union of Concerned Scientists also condemned the move, with senior scientist Juan Declet-Barreto accusing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick of bowing to a “destructive agenda.”
Broader Government Cuts and NOAA’s Future
NOAA is not the only agency facing cuts. The Trump administration has launched similar reductions at the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, and the Department of the Interior. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, has spearheaded these downsizing efforts, with NOAA reportedly preparing for a budget cut of up to one-third.
As hundreds of NOAA employees lose their jobs, concerns are mounting over the agency’s ability to maintain its critical services. A NOAA employee, speaking anonymously to The Guardian, described the firings as “cruel and thoughtless,” emphasizing that many of those let go were “dedicated civil servants working to protect lives and the environment.”
Despite reassurances from Commerce Secretary Lutnick that NOAA will not be dismantled, the scale of the layoffs suggests otherwise. Scientists, lawmakers, and the public now await the next steps from the administration, but many fear the damage to NOAA’s workforce and its ability to fulfill its mission may already be irreversible.