NASA's workforce has decreased by approximately 10% in the past four weeks, with around 750 employees accepting deferred resignations and over 1,000 probationary employees being terminated. Field center directors have been instructed to prepare for potential additional significant workforce reductions, pending budget negotiations between the White House and Congress.
Nuclear safety employees laid off by the US government last Thursday are being sought for rehire, but communication challenges are hampering the process. The layoffs were part of President Trump's broader initiative to reduce federal workforce, which has already led to 10,000 terminations and 75,000 voluntary departures.
The Trump administration's 'buyout' offer to federal workers has garnered approximately 20,000 acceptances, representing 1% of the workforce, falling short of the 5-10% target. The controversial program offers continued payment through September 2020 for immediate resignation, despite facing opposition from unions and legal scrutiny. While some employees may have already planned to leave through normal attrition, the administration views this as part of their broader government restructuring effort.