The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has laid off over 1,000 employees in the latest move to reduce the size of the federal workforce. This decision, part of President Donald Trump’s broader efforts to shrink government agencies, has raised concerns about the impact on the nation’s weather forecasting, oceanic monitoring, and environmental research operations.
NOAA, which employs roughly 12,000 people worldwide, previously cut more than 880 staff members just two weeks ago. The agency, which is integral in providing critical weather forecasts and monitoring atmospheric and oceanic conditions, sent an email to its employees announcing the new round of layoffs. As reported by USA Today, the layoffs include over 1,000 workers, though not affecting the National Weather Service’s forecast operations or maintenance support—at least for now.
Impact of the layoffs
These layoffs are part of the Trump administration’s ongoing “Reduction in Force” initiative aimed at downsizing federal agencies. The email to NOAA staff clarified that this move was in line with the Department of Commerce’s directives but mentioned that final determinations regarding staff cuts would be made at the department level. A few probationary workers who had been let go in the previous wave were also informed that their terminations had been made in error, as noted in the communication to employees, according to USA Today.
Despite the large cuts, NOAA stressed that operations related to weather forecasting and oceanic monitoring would remain unaffected, though many are still concerned about long-term consequences. The recent layoffs are especially concerning as the US economy is already facing significant challenges, including President Trump’s trade tariffs, which have caused market instability and raised recession fears.
Federal job cuts continue across the government
The cuts at NOAA are just one example of a broader trend in the federal workforce. Agencies across the government are bracing for additional layoffs, with more reductions expected in the coming weeks. The Trump administration set a deadline for agencies to submit their final “Reduction in Force” plans by March 14, 2025, and many federal departments, including the Department of Education, have already announced significant staff cuts. As reported by USA Today, the Department of Education plans to eliminate half of its workforce, with employees instructed not to report to work in anticipation of these reductions.
Economists are warning that these ongoing job cuts, along with other economic policies, could have lasting effects on the US economy. The cuts in federal employment are coupled with the potential for a recession in 2025, with some financial analysts predicting a 40% chance of an economic downturn in the coming months. With further layoffs expected across other departments, the full impact of these changes on the US workforce and the economy remains uncertain.
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