On Tuesday, NASA announced the dismissal of its chief scientist, Katherine Calvin, and other staff members, following orders from U.S. President Donald Trump. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce NASA’s workforce in accordance with an executive order aimed at streamlining operations. While only 23 positions were affected in this round of cuts, a NASA spokeswoman mentioned that more layoffs are anticipated.
The cuts notably included the elimination of the Office of the Chief Scientist, where Calvin, a renowned climatologist who contributed to key UN climate reports, had led. Calvin, along with other U.S. delegates, was also reportedly barred from attending a major climate science meeting in China last month, further highlighting the administration’s focus on scaling back climate change research.
In addition to Calvin’s office, other significant changes include the disbandment of the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, as well as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Branch of NASA’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Reports suggest that, unlike other federal agencies, NASA has managed to avoid deeper cuts, largely due to intervention from Jared Isaacman, Trump’s nominee for NASA chief. In February, there were also reports that NASA had been preparing to lay off around 1,000 probationary employees, adding to concerns about the administration’s stance on climate and scientific research.