Summary

The Trump administration has fired hundreds of employees at NOAA, the U.S.’s top climate research agency, affecting probationary workers, a categorization that applies to new hires or those moved or promoted into new positions.

Critics, including NOAA veterans and lawmakers, call the move “cruel” and warn it endangers weather forecasting, climate research, and public safety.

Senator Chris Van Hollen deemed the mass firings illegal, while scientists and policymakers condemned the decision.

Former NOAA officials argue the cuts lack justification and will harm national security and disaster preparedness. The administration has not commented.