NASA has begun to conduct layoffs at the behest of the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
In an email sent out on Monday and shared on social media, Acting Administrator Janet Petro said the agency’s reductions were phased and occur in advance of a reorganization plan.
“We will close NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, the Office of the Chief Scientist, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch in the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, along with reducing their workforce,” said Petro.
She said that those who had been impacted by the changes were “valued members” of NASA, recognizing that their work had helped contribute to recent successes.
“I know this news is difficult and may affect us all differently. Change of this magnitude is never easy, but our strength comes from our shared commitment to our mission and each other. I remain grateful for your professionalism and resilience, and I encourage you to support one another as we move forward. Embrace the Challenge,” she said.
Last month, the White House is believed to have made a last-minute decision to pause mass layoffs at NASA.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
