Mass layoffs at US nuclear safety agency

More than 300 staff members of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) have been dismissed by order of the Donald Trump administration. This move has raised concerns among experts and lawmakers, as it affected specialists responsible for overseeing the US nuclear arsenal.

This is reported by CNN, citing sources familiar with the situation.

Who was affected by the cuts

According to sources, the dismissals affected specialists working at nuclear facilities, as well as inspectors monitoring warheads and managers responsible for contractor oversight. The staff reduction also impacted the NNSA headquarters, where technical standards for nuclear weapons production were developed.

The reason for this decision remains unclear. One of CNN's sources suggested that Department of Energy officials simply did not realise the importance of these specialists' work.

"Никто не удосужился разобраться, чем мы занимаемся и какую роль играем в обеспечении национальной безопасности" ("No one bothered to find out what we do and what role we play in ensuring national security"), the source stated.

Department of Energy denies the scale

An official spokesperson for the US Department of Energy denied reports of mass layoffs, stating that "fewer than 50 people" had lost their jobs, and that the positions were primarily administrative.

Nevertheless, the NNSA has already initiated a review of the dismissals and is considering the possibility of reinstating some staff members.

Congressional reaction

US lawmakers have expressed concern over the situation. One congressional staffer, speaking to CNN, emphasised that nuclear deterrence is the foundation of US national security.

"Даже небольшие пробоины в этой системе должны вызывать серьезное беспокойство" ("Even small holes in this system should cause serious concern"), the source stated.

In addition, sources reported that Department of Energy officials allegedly pressured HR staff, demanding that the dismissals be framed as the result of "poor performance". According to CNN, two HR specialists resigned, frustrated by the political pressure.