The US government has quietly declared NASA will operate as a national intelligence and security agency. The executive order changes the agency’s primary function to focus on intelligence, counterintelligence, and national security work, moving away from its historic focus on space exploration.
NASA Watch founder Keith Cowing criticized the move, saying “no mention of that science and exploration stuff.” The change affects not only NASA but also other agencies like the International Trade Administration and the National Weather Service. A protest was held outside NASA’s headquarters in Washington, DC.
President Trump has proposed cutting NASA’s science budget in half, potentially impacting dozens of space missions. This shift highlights the president’s desire to militarize space and commit to sending troops to the Moon and Mars. Experts warn that this could lead to a space arms race with adversaries like China.
Critics argue that the government is increasingly treating NASA as an adversary, leading to thousands of senior-ranking employees being pushed out under Trump’s remake of the US.
Source: https://futurism.com/trump-executive-order-nasa-intelligence