Summary

The White House unexpectedly decided not to terminate over 1,000 probationary NASA employees on Tuesday, despite similar cuts at other federal agencies.

NASA had requested exemptions, but it’s unclear why the reprieve was granted. Some speculate that Jared Isaacman, Trump’s nominee to lead NASA, may have intervened.

While this decision spares employees for now, the administration is still considering significant workforce reductions in the coming months.

NASA field centers have been instructed to prepare for possible layoffs, though final decisions may require congressional approval.