NASA To Lay Off 2,000+ Senior Staff Amid Budget Cuts

In a major departure from its original plan to expand the organisation, NASA is now considering removing more than 2,000 high-ranking identifiable staff members as a result of extensive budget cuts by the Trump administration.

Roughly 2,145 staff, primarily employees in GS-13 to GS-15 positions- senior federal positions- are being offered early retirements, buyouts, and deferred resignations. This may be the largest workforce cut at NASA in the last decade or so.

“NASA remains committed to our mission as we work within a more prioritised budget”, said agency spokesperson Bethany Stevens in an official statement to Reuters. 

The Trump administration’s proposed budget has placed constraints on several agencies, but the proposed cuts at NASA appear particularly damaging because of its long-term innovation goals. NASA has roughly 18,000 staff members right now.

Also read: BRICS Warns Trump’s Tariffs May Trigger Global Fallout

Furthermore, the position of NASA Administrator is still vacant now that the White House pulled Jared Isaacman, Musk’s pick before the Trump rift,  from consideration recently after facing headwinds from both Elon Musk and President Trump.