Trump firings cause chaos at agency responsible for America’s nuclear weapons
Scenes of confusion and chaos unfolded over the last two days at the civilian agency that oversees the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile, as the Trump administration’s mass firings were carried out before being “paused” on Friday.
This account of firings at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is based on interviews with several current and former NNSA employees who asked to remain anonymous, fearing retribution from the Trump administration.
Summary:
The Trump administration’s mass firings have created significant disruption at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the civilian agency responsible for overseeing America’s nuclear weapons stockpile. Hundreds of employees were initially targeted for termination, with managers given just hours to carry out the dismissals and limited space to justify keeping essential personnel.
The chaos intensified when many employees received late-night termination notices and immediate email shutdowns, while others who were verbally fired never received written notification. By Friday, the firings were “paused” due to the disorganized implementation, with some terminations being rescinded.
Particularly concerning is the impact on nuclear security operations. The affected employees included those responsible for warhead safety, emergency response at nuclear storage facilities, and prevention of nuclear terrorism. Many terminated staff held “Q” clearances – the Department of Energy’s highest security classification – and performed specialized work in nuclear security that requires unique expertise and experience. Critics worry these abrupt dismissals could compromise the agency’s ability to maintain nuclear safety and security protocols.
On Friday, an employee still at NNSA told NPR that the firings are now “paused,” in part because of the chaotic way in which they unfolded. Another employee had been contacted and told that their termination had been “rescinded.” But some worried the damage had already been done. Nuclear security is highly specialized, high-pressure work, but it’s not particularly well paid, one employee told NPR. Given what’s unfolded over the past 24 hours, “why would anybody want to take these jobs?” they asked.
