The Independent View: NOAA Firing Staffers

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began the Process of Firing Hundreds of Probationary Workers Thursday, the Latest Mass Job Cuts within Federal Agencies. The Cuts, which are said to affect between 560 and 1,830 Workers at the Agency, were planned for at least a week, Contingent upon the Confirmation of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (R), who Oversees the Agency. NOAA reported a Permanent Workforce of 11,758 in fiscal 2023, meaning the Cuts could affect more than 10% of Employees. The firings began Thursday and will continue Friday.

Termination Letters began going out to Probationary Employees at 3:30 Thursday Afternoon. Probationary Status applies to both recent Hires and Workers who have been recently Promoted.

Staffers from the Musk Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reportedly entered NOAA Offices earlier this month, before Lutnick’s Confirmation. Lutnick Denied any Plans to Dismantle the Agency as Commerce Secretary, but Project 2025, the sweeping Conservative Governance Blueprint, calls for Privatizing and Reassigning nearly All of its Functions. Trump (R) Disavowed Project 2025 on the Campaign Trail, but has Appointed several of its Architects, including White House Budget Director Russell Vought (R).

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA, 2nd District), the Top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, Condemned the Reported Firings in a Statement Thursday Afternoon.

“Musk’s sham mission is bringing vital programs to a screeching halt. People nationwide depend on NOAA for free, accurate forecasts, severe weather alerts, and emergency information. Purging the government of scientists, experts, and career civil servants and slashing fundamental programs will cost lives,” Huffman said in a Statement. “My Democratic colleagues and I will keep fighting back in state and federal courts, in the halls of Congress, and the court of public opinion. This is a betrayal of the American people, and it will not stand.”