WASHINGTON, Feb 16 (Reuters) - In a surprising move, U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside adviser Elon Musk, initiated the dismissal of fewer than 50 employees from the agency responsible for maintaining the nation's nuclear weapons arsenal. This decision, announced by the Department of Energy on Sunday, follows a much broader layoff plan that was abruptly reversed, creating significant confusion among the staff.
On Friday, sources revealed that 325 workers received layoff notices from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a critical part of the Department of Energy. This organization, employing around 2,000 people worldwide, is tasked with securing dangerous nuclear materials, including efforts in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Later that same day, an unspecified number of these layoffs were rescinded, leading to chaos within the NNSA offices in Washington and other locations. Many employees were left uncertain about their employment status, according to the sources.
On Sunday, a department spokesperson clarified that fewer than 50 employees were ultimately dismissed. These staff members were mostly probationary employees in administrative and clerical positions. Despite the layoffs, the NNSA will continue its essential work in protecting national security, managing atomic weapons, and non-proliferation efforts.
The NNSA layoffs are part of a wider effort by Trump, a Republican, and Musk to reduce the federal workforce. Thousands of workers have been cut across various departments, including the Departments of Interior, Energy, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services.
A source from the NNSA explained that managers were initially instructed on Thursday evening to notify employees of their termination. However, by Friday, an email instructed managers to "STOP ALL ACTIONS WITH TERMINATIONS," requiring them to re-evaluate the justification for some terminations. This abrupt change left many employees and managers bewildered.
The chaos and confusion following the layoffs have significantly distracted NNSA workers and managers from their crucial national security duties. Democratic lawmakers have criticized the layoffs, describing them as shocking. Senator Patty Murray and Representative Marcy Kaptur expressed their concerns in a statement, emphasizing the potential damage these "haphazard and thoughtless firings" could cause to the country and the world.
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Reported by Timothy Gardner; Edited by Marguerita Choy.
