NOAA to Cut 1,029 Jobs Under Trump Administration, Impacting National Weather Service

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is set to implement significant job cuts, planning to lay off 10% of its current workforce, which amounts to 1,029 positions. This decision comes in addition to the elimination of nearly all new employees last month and the termination of leases for 19 NOAA offices across the country, as part of broader staffing reductions mandated by the Trump administration. The layoffs are expected to impact various divisions within NOAA, including the National Weather Service (NWS), which is crucial for providing weather forecasts and warnings. The cuts have raised concerns among Florida Democrats and other officials about the potential risks to public safety, particularly as the region braces for hurricane season. NOAA has already fired 1,300 employees, reducing its workforce from 12,000. Former NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad criticized the cuts, stating, 'This is not government efficiency. It is the first steps toward eradication. There is no way to make these kinds of cuts without removing or strongly compromising mission capabilities.' Former NOAA chief scientist Craig McLean warned that weather forecasts will worsen and 'people are going to start seeing this very quickly.' The reduction in staff is also affecting operational capabilities, such as the release of weather balloons in certain locations due to staffing shortages.