US Government Seeks to Reverse Layoffs of Nuclear Security Personnel

Mon Oct 20 2025 15:13:52 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Amid national security concerns, the US government works to rehire nuclear safety staff laid off last week.

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) finds itself in turmoil as the Trump administration attempts to reinstate employees recently dismissed amid sweeping federal workforce reductions.

The US government is reportedly attempting to rehire employees from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a segment of the Department of Energy, after an alarming number were dismissed just days prior. The decision to terminate was part of a larger strategy by the Trump administration aiming to streamline federal operations and reduce government spending. However, the mass layoffs have raised eyebrows, especially considering their implications for national security.

Sources indicate that approximately 300 NNSA staff members were issued termination notices, a figure contradicted by the Department of Energy which stated that "less than 50" individuals were let go. Key personnel involved in overseeing the US nuclear weapons arsenal were among those affected, causing significant concern with the potential compromise of national security interests.

In light of the backlash, the administration has moved to reverse some of these terminations. Reports state that many of the dismissed workers have become inaccessible as they have been locked out of their federal email accounts. In a memo dated Friday, NNSA officials communicated their effort to contact affected employees: "The termination letters for some NNSA probationary employees are being rescinded, but we do not have a good way to get in touch with those personnel."

Additionally, the memo advised supervisors to relay important information through personal emails. The layoffs come amidst a broader initiative that resulted in close to 10,000 workers across various federal agencies being let go, with many others opting for voluntary departures.

The administration's radical approach to reduce staff has faced scrutiny and has sparked numerous legal challenges, with over 60 lawsuits against the government's measures since President Trump took office. The push for efficiency also saw the involvement of tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has been assisting with strategies aimed at overhauling government spending.

The recent terminations and subsequent attempt at rehiring shed light on the ongoing tension between government efficiency goals and the maintenance of critical national security operations. The outcome of this situation remains to be seen as the administration navigates the complexities of workforce management in sensitive areas.