US President Donald Trump’s administration has been making significant changes since taking office, and the latest decision has caused quite a stir.
It has been reported that more than 300 employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) were dismissed on Thursday night, February 13.
An Energy Department spokesperson has refuted this claim, stating that the actual number of dismissals is much lower.
In a statement to CNN, the spokesperson mentioned that “less than 50 people” were let go and those affected occupied “primarily administrative and clerical roles.”
The NNSA plays a crucial role in the government by managing the nation’s nuclear arsenal.
Interestingly, an insider informed the outlet that some Trump officials seemed unaware that this agency is accountable for the US’ nuclear weapons.
The dismissed employees included those holding vital positions necessary for the agency’s operations, such as staff at facilities where nuclear weapons are manufactured. These employees also oversee contractors responsible for building and inspecting the weapons.
Moreover, the individuals fired included those who create guidelines for these contractors.
An anonymous source told CNN that the lack of understanding of the NNSA’s critical role in national security led to these terminations, stating, “no one took any time to understand what we do and the importance of our work to the nation’s national security.”
In an unexpected reversal, some of the terminations were rescinded the following morning.
Acting NNSA administrator Teresa Robbins held a meeting on Friday and announced that the agency had been instructed to reverse the termination of probationary employees.
Probationary employees are typically those who have been employed for less than a year, or two years in certain cases.
Robbins reassured that if probationary employees had not been terminated yet, their positions were secure.
Another source conveyed to CNN the reaction within Congress following this surprising decision to dismiss a notable number of employees.
The source expressed: “Congress is freaking out because it appears DOE didn’t really realize NNSA oversees the nuclear stockpile.
“The nuclear deterrent is the backbone of American security and stability – period. For there to be any even very small holes poked even in the maintenance of that deterrent should be extremely frightening to people.”
The Trump administration and the Department of Energy have been approached for comments.