NASA to Close Three Departments in Workforce Reduction Effort

NASA to Close Three Departments in Workforce Reduction

NASA is set to close three departments as part of a larger workforce reduction effort, according to an email reviewed by Business Insider. The closures are part of the Trump administration's broader goal to reduce the federal workforce.

The email, sent to NASA employees on Monday by acting administrator Janet Petro, announced the closure of the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy; the Office of the Chief Scientist; and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch of the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity. A total of 23 employees were fired as part of this restructuring.

The closures have raised concerns among some NASA employees, who worry that the agency is losing valuable expertise. "NASA's Office of the Chief Scientist is tasked with ensuring that all the Agency's scientific endeavors align with the Administration's goals," one employee told Business Insider. "Eliminating the office sends a chilling message that NASA's scientists aren't part of the nation's goals."

Petro, however, defended the closures, saying they are necessary to comply with President Trump's executive order to implement the White House DOGE office's workplace restructuring. She also emphasized that the changes will allow NASA to reshape its workforce and become more efficient.

It is unclear whether all employees in the affected departments will be terminated or if some will be moved to different areas within NASA. The agency spokesperson stated that a small number of individuals received notification of their inclusion in the reduction in force (RIF) and may be eligible for the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) or the RIF process.

The latest restructuring plans at NASA follow weeks of changes to the federal workforce. The Trump administration has fired thousands of workers across various agencies and cut billions of dollars in federal spending programs. The Office of Personnel Management also instructed all federal agencies to develop reorganization plans by March 13.