The Trump administration has reversed its decision to lay off hundreds of employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), leading to confusion and concern among workers and experts.

On February 14, 2025, interim NNSA director Teresa Robbins issued a memo rescinding the layoffs for 72% of the affected employees, effective immediately.

Initially, up to 350 employees were dismissed on February 13, 2025, with some losing access to email and workspaces before being officially informed.

Democratic lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, condemned the firings as dangerous and callous, highlighting the risks to public safety and national security.

The layoffs impacted not only nuclear weapons programs but also critical projects related to energy efficiency and climate change, which are not prioritized by the current administration.

Experts warned that the firings could disrupt operations and signal instability in U.S. nuclear policy, potentially benefiting adversaries on the global stage.

With an annual budget of $25 billion, the NNSA employs around 2,000 staff and oversees more than 55,000 contractors involved in nuclear warhead production and maintenance.

The NNSA is responsible for maintaining and securing the United States' nuclear arsenal, which consists of over 3,000 warheads.

In addition to warhead management, the NNSA works to prevent nuclear proliferation and develops nuclear propulsion systems for submarines.

An internal email indicated that while some termination letters are being rescinded, there is difficulty in contacting the affected personnel.

Critics, including Daryl Kimball from the Arms Control Association, have accused the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) of lacking understanding of the complexities of nuclear security.

The NNSA also directs national laboratories, such as the Los Alamos National Laboratory, which was integral to the Manhattan Project during World War II.