NASA has significantly reduced its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) positions and senior climate adviser roles as part of a strategic shift to refocus on space exploration amid President Donald Trump’s push to curb progressive initiatives. This move comes as the agency faces increasing pressure to prioritize space-related research and development, signaling a move away from initiatives focused on race and gender to center more on advancing space technology and exploration.
As the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cracks down on wasteful spending and fraud within the federal sector, NASA is rapidly scaling back its DEI initiatives by implementing job cuts and closing offices. The agency is also disbanding the Office of the Chief Scientist, led by senior climate adviser Katherine Calvin, one of the most notable employees impacted by the cuts.
In total, 23 employees have been laid off, and the chief scientist office will be dissolved. Additionally, both the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch will be shut down. However, NASA has promised that the cuts will not impact the offices and staff working on spaceflight and exploration, including several high-profile projects such as the Artemis mission to return astronauts to the moon.
Acting NASA administrator Janet Petro said in an agency-wide email that “we’re viewing this as an opportunity to reshape our workforce.”
Petro said those impacted by the changes have been “valued members,” adding that she realizes “this news is difficult and may affect us all differently.”
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“Change of this magnitude is never easy, but our strength comes from our shared commitment to our mission and each other,” she continued.
Petro is filling in for the position of NASA’s administrator until Trump’s nominee, billionaire and private astronaut Jared Isaacman, is confirmed by the US Senate.
NASA has become the first agency under the Trump administration to take early action by initiating "reductions in force" (RIFs), moving faster than many expected. It is still uncertain whether other agencies will follow NASA’s approach.
