The proposed federal budget cuts and workforce reductions under the Trump administration are likely to have significant negative impacts on government expertise and continuity.
“Employee buyouts, terminations and uncertainty at multiple federal agencies are sparking warnings about an erosion of scientific and technical expertise at a crucial moment,” Axios reports.
The sweeping layoffs and funding freeze across federal agencies are causing a drain of expertise:
- At the National Nuclear Security Administration, layoff notices were sent to staff overseeing the nation’s nuclear arsenal. Hundreds of CDC staff face layoffs, including those responsible for training public health laboratory personnel and supporting outbreak responses.
- The National Science Foundation may lay off up to half its workforce while the U.S. Forest Service plans to eliminate at least 3,400 positions, about 10% of its staff.
The loss of experienced personnel could severely impact agencies’ ability to fulfill their missions and respond to crises.