The Trump administration has decided to lay off more than 2,145 senior NASA employees, as part of a broader push to reduce the size of federal agencies and cut budgets across departments.

Highly Skilled Workers to Lose Jobs

According to a report by Politico, most of the people losing their jobs are senior-level government workers. Many of them have specialised expertise or hold management positions. This decision is likely to cost NASA years of experience and leadership in key areas.

Core Missions and Support Roles Affected

Out of the total layoffs, at least 1,818 employees work in NASA’s core missions such as science research and human spaceflight. The rest serve in support functions, including information technology and other vital services.

NASA Responds to Concerns

When asked about the layoffs, NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens told Reuters, “NASA remains committed to our mission as we work within a more prioritised budget.” Her statement reflects NASA’s effort to continue its operations despite facing a tighter budget.

Ongoing Uncertainty for NASA Staff

Ever since Donald Trump returned to office in January, the U.S. space program and NASA’s nearly 18,000 employees have faced rising uncertainty.

The administration has proposed deep budget cuts for the 2026 fiscal year, which could severely impact NASA’s projects. As a result, several scientific missions are now at risk of being cancelled or delayed.