NASA has closed its chief scientist office, along with two other offices, and fired 23 employees. This move leaves the agency without a way to provide independent science advice to top leaders as it considers sending astronauts to the Moon and Mars.
The firings are unusual because NASA was spared from extensive layoffs of probationary employees, who have little job protection. Instead, NASA has become the first federal agency under the Trump administration to preemptively fire career employees.
The closed offices were unique in their ability to connect strategy across NASA’s departments and divisions. Their closure will result in a loss of strategic thinking, according to a NASA staff member. The acting administrator is currently Petro, who will fill the position until Trump’s nominee is confirmed by the US Senate.
The move has raised concerns about the impact on NASA’s scientific direction, particularly at a time when it is preparing for ambitious missions. It remains unclear whether other agencies might follow NASA’s lead in preemptively firing employees.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00756-2