Trump Administration Rescinds Firing Of Nuclear Security Administration Staffers – But Don’t Have Their Contact Info

In abrupt policy shifts, the Trump administration has initiated significant layoffs across critical federal agencies, including the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), only to reverse some of these decisions amid widespread concern.

Over 300 probationary NNSA employees were unexpectedly terminated as part of a broader government downsizing effort led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the direction of Elon Musk. Later, a spokesperson for the Department of Energy (DOE) disputed the number, saying that “less than 50 people” were dismissed from the NNSA.

The NNSA, a division of the Department of Energy, oversees the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. The sudden dismissals, which included personnel with high-level security clearances, sparked immediate alarm. Critics argue that the poorly coordinated layoffs could undermine the country’s defense infrastructure.

“This is a pivotal moment. We must decide whether we are truly committed to leading on the world stage or if we are content with undermining the very systems that secure our nation’s future,” deputy division director Rob Plonski posted to LinkedIn.

Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, told CBS News that the firings will “only benefit this country’s adversaries.”

Among the fired staffers were some responsible for ensuring emergency response plans at several facilities where dismantled warheads are stored or worked to prevent terrorists and rogue nations from acquiring plutonium or uranium. Additionally, some had “Q” clearances, the highest level of security clearance at the Department of Energy.

Officials within the DOGE were unaware that the NNSA managed the country’s nuclear arsenal, leading to the uncalculated termination of essential staff. The administration sought to rescind the termination notices in response to the backlash. However, complications arose as the dismissed employees had been locked out of their official email accounts. 

An internal memo from acting NNSA director Teresa Robbins sent to NNSA employees read, “The termination letters for some NNSA probationary employees are being rescinded, but we do not have a good way to get in touch with those personnel.”

Also, last week, the administration targeted the FAA. Hundreds of probationary employees responsible for installing, inspecting, and maintaining air traffic control communications received layoff notices. The layoffs come as part of the administration’s initiative to modernize air traffic control, which included consultations with SpaceX engineers to propose technological improvements. 

Last week, nearly 10,000 federal employees were fired. As the administration continues to implement its restructuring agenda, resulting in significant personnel changes across various departments, the balance between efficiency and safety remains an issue.