NASA Avoids Sweeping Federal Workforce Reductions For Now, But Future Layoffs Expected

In a surprising turn of events, NASA did not proceed with a widely anticipated layoff of at least 1,000 employees on Feb. 18. The last-minute reprieve has provided temporary relief for agency staff, but concerns remain that job cuts may still be forthcoming.

The planned layoffs were expected to target “probationary” civil servants, a category primarily composed of employees in their first year on the job, along with those who had recently transferred to new positions or agencies. These individuals have limited civil-service protections, making them particularly vulnerable to budget-driven reductions.

The terminations were part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to reduce costs across federal agencies.

Multiple sources within NASA, speaking anonymously, confirmed that agency officials had been instructed to expect layoffs of probationary employees across the organization on Feb. 18. Initial estimates indicated that at least 1,000 employees were at risk of losing their jobs.

However, by the close of business on Feb. 18, there were no reports of widespread layoffs at any NASA facility. Some employees were informed that their centers, including the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, were exempt from the cuts, though no official explanation was provided.

The lack of layoffs at these and other NASA locations suggests the agency may have successfully persuaded the White House to halt the firings, citing the critical nature of NASA’s work. If this is the case, it would be a notable exception, as job reductions proceeded at other federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The NSF confirmed that it had terminated 168 employees on Feb. 18—approximately 10% of its workforce. These job losses included both probationary employees and temporary subject matter experts.

“Indiscriminately firing 10% of NSF’s workforce today is a massive mistake that will hurt our ability to compete globally, especially with China,” - Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.)

“These federal employees have dedicated themselves to strengthening American science. They deserve better than this.” - Reps. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.)

NASA itself has been facing a potential 10% workforce reduction, with the planned layoffs of probationary employees supplemented by voluntary departures through the Deferred Resignation Program. Under this initiative, employees resign but continue receiving pay through the end of the fiscal year. At least 750 NASA employees have enrolled in the program, according to sources, though the agency has not publicly disclosed exact figures.

The anticipated reduction has drawn concern from advocacy groups and lawmakers. The Planetary Society, an organization dedicated to space exploration advocacy, estimated that a 10% workforce cut would represent NASA’s largest single reduction in force since the end of the Apollo program more than 50 years ago.

“Indiscriminately firing the next generation of NASA scientists, engineers and wider team members is exactly the wrong step to secure America’s leadership in space—just as competition with China is reaching fever pitch,” - Rep. George Whitesides (D-Calif.), Former NASA Chief of Staff

Despite the temporary reprieve, uncertainty remains about the future. Some sources have indicated that layoffs of at least some probationary employees may still occur before the end of the month. Additionally, NASA has been instructed to prepare for potentially deeper workforce reductions.

A Feb. 11 executive order signed by President Trump mandates that agencies hire only one new employee for every four who depart while preparing for large-scale job cuts. The order states, “Agency Heads shall promptly undertake preparations to initiate large-scale reductions in force,” though it does not specify the scope of such reductions.

NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro addressed the situation in a Feb. 14 memo to employees, acknowledging the uncertainty.

“Your leaders are tracking the recent executive order calling for agencies to undertake preparations to initiate large-scale reductions in force, among other things...We are currently awaiting further guidance and will keep you posted as we learn more.” - Janet Petro, NASA Acting Administrator

While NASA employees have been granted a temporary reprieve, the agency remains in a precarious position as it navigates potential future cuts amid an evolving political and budgetary landscape.