NASA has announced the closure of three major offices and the elimination of 23 positions as part of a workforce reduction initiative mandated under an executive order from the Trump administration.
The affected offices include the Office of Chief Scientist, the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) branch within the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity.
In a statement released on Monday, a NASA spokesperson confirmed that the layoffs are part of efforts to optimize government operations and reduce costs. “A small number of individuals received notification today that they are part of NASA’s reduction in force (RIF). Those employees may opt for Voluntary Early Retirement or complete the RIF process,” the spokesperson said.
The Office of Chief Scientist, responsible for advising NASA leadership on scientific programs, and the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, which provided evidence-based decision-making support, have played critical roles in the agency’s operations. The DEIA branch focused on promoting diversity and inclusion efforts across NASA.
Among those affected by the cuts is Katherine Calvin, NASA’s current chief scientist. The position, which has existed for decades, was temporarily eliminated between 2005 and 2011 but was later reinstated.
NASA’s acting administrator, Janet Petro, addressed employees via email on Monday, stating that the move aligns with the administration’s efforts to streamline the federal bureaucracy. The cuts are part of a broader government-wide restructuring that has already impacted other agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which recently saw layoffs in its Office of Space Commerce.
Additionally, reports suggest the Trump administration is planning significant funding cuts to NASA’s science programs—potentially slashing budgets by up to 50% in the next fiscal year. Such reductions could severely impact the agency’s long-term research and space exploration initiatives.
With more workforce adjustments expected in the coming weeks, the future of NASA remains uncertain. The administration’s upcoming budget proposal is likely to provide further insight into the agency’s evolving direction.
