President Donald Trump is making moves to gut the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Politico reported that his administration is planning to cut 2,145 agency employees
According to documents obtained by Politico, most employees leaving are in senior-level government ranks, depriving NASA of decades of experience as part of a push to slash the size of the federal government through early retirement, buyouts, and deferred resignations.
The documents indicate that 1,818 of the staff currently serve in core mission areas, like science or human space flight, while the others work in mission support roles, including information technology, or IT.
NASA is the United States government agency responsible for the nation’s civilian space program and aerospace research. Established in 1958, it leads efforts in space exploration, scientific discovery, and technological innovation. It has launched numerous space missions, including the Apollo Moon landings, Mars rovers, and the James Webb Space Telescope.
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NASA also conducts Earth science research, monitors climate change, and collaborates with international partners and private companies. Its work has advanced satellite technology, GPS, and materials science. Through exploration and innovation, NASA continues to expand human understanding of space and Earth, inspiring future generations.
When discussing the proposed cuts, agency spokesperson Bethany Stevens told Reuters: “NASA remains committed to our mission as we work within a more prioritized budget.”
Last week, seven former heads of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate signed a joint letter to Congress condemning the White House’s suggested 47% cuts to NASA science activities in its 2026 budget proposal.
In the letter, the former NASA officials urged the House appropriations committee to preserve US leadership in space exploration and to reject the unprecedented cuts to space science proposed by the White House’s Budget Director, Russ Vought.
“The economics of these proposed cuts ignore a fundamental truth: investments in NASA science have been and are a powerful driver of the U.S. economy and technological leadership,” the letter stated.
It also warned that the cuts threatened to cede US leadership to China: “Global space competition extends far past Moon and Mars exploration. The Chinese space science program is aggressive, ambitious, and well-funded. It is proposing missions to return samples from Mars, explore Neptune, monitor climate change for the benefit of the Chinese industry and population, and peer into the universe – all activities that the FY 2026 NASA budget proposal indicates the US will abandon.”
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NASA plays a vital role in scientific research, space exploration, climate monitoring, and technological innovation. Its closure would disrupt ongoing missions, delay critical research on Earth and space, and end collaborations with international partners and private industry. Thousands of highly skilled workers, including scientists, engineers, and technicians, would lose their jobs, weakening the nation’s STEM workforce.
The U.S. would also lose global leadership in space exploration and innovation, ceding ground to other countries like China and Russia. Additionally, many technologies developed by NASA, such as satellite systems, GPS enhancements, and weather forecasting tools, support industries and national security. Ending NASA’s work would not only hinder scientific progress but also negatively impact education, economic growth, and the country’s ability to address future challenges on Earth and beyond. The long-term setback would be profound and far-reaching.