Donald Trump officials struggle to rehire workers after allegedly firing hundreds without realizing they oversee the US weapon stockpile
‘Remake America’s federal workforce’ was the subject of an executive order that was approved by the President of the United States.
Reports suggest that Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reversing course on its workforce optimization project and now attempting to rehire employees previously let go—specifically those responsible for overseeing the United States’ nuclear stockpile.
Despite President Trump’s executive order aimed at “reforming the federal workforce to better serve Americans,” the results have not unfolded as anticipated. Several employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) were let go, with officials allegedly unaware of their crucial role in managing the nation’s nuclear arsenal.
An informational document released by the White House on February 11 outlines the Trump administration’s plans for “reforming the federal workforce to better serve Americans.”
One of the key strategies highlighted in the executive order is its goal to “make the federal workforce more efficient and effective.” This will involve collaboration with the Department of Defense to “shrink the size of the federal workforce and limit hiring to essential positions.” The executive order asserts that this approach will “significantly reduce the size of the government.”
On February 14, Reuters reported that sources confirmed the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) had laid off over 300 employees, with termination notices being issued on February 13.
However, a spokesperson for the Energy Department denied these claims in a statement to CNN, asserting that the actual number of terminations was “less than fifty.” The spokesperson clarified that the individuals let go primarily held “administrative and clerical roles.”
A second source, speaking to the site, described congressional concern, saying, “Congress was freaking out because it looks like DOE didn’t truly grasp that NNSA oversees the nuclear stockpile.”
They went on to emphasize the gravity of the situation, noting, “Period. The nuclear deterrence is the pillar upon which the security and stability of the United States are built. For there to be even the slightest cracks in the maintenance of that deterrence should be tremendously terrifying to individuals.”
It’s becoming increasingly clear that officials now recognize the mistake they made by letting go of employees involved in managing the United States’ nuclear weapons fleet. This realization is reflected in their ongoing efforts to reinstate these workers. According to an email obtained by NBC News, officials are struggling to contact the affected employees.
The email, reportedly sent to National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) employees, stated: “The termination letters for some NNSA probationary employees are being rescinded, but we do not have a good way to meet with those personnel.”
The email continued, urging employees to “work with your supervisors to send this information (once you get it) to people’s personal contact emails.”
In addition, a nuclear safety specialist who was terminated from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) on Thursday shared with NBC News that, despite still being unable to access her official emails, her supervisor had contacted her to inform her that her termination letter had been “rescinded.” Although she plans to return for now, she made it clear that she intends to leave “as soon as [she] finds another role.”
