The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed approximately 600 probationary employees responsible for critical functions such as weather forecasting, radar system maintenance, satellite data collection, and commercial fisheries monitoring.
The layoffs, announced on Thursday, affect workers across multiple federal agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS). These employees played key roles in providing real-time weather forecasts, ensuring the functionality of radar and satellite systems, and overseeing fisheries vital to the U.S. economy.
The government has not provided a detailed explanation for the dismissals, but the move has raised concerns about the potential impact on public safety, environmental monitoring, and economic sectors reliant on accurate weather data. Critics argue that the decision could weaken national preparedness for extreme weather events, while supporters suggest it may be part of broader efforts to restructure federal agencies.
As the affected agencies adjust to the workforce reduction, questions remain about how the layoffs will impact ongoing operations and whether replacements will be hired in the near future.
