'Cruel and thoughtless': Trump fires hundreds at US climate agency Noaa

The Trump administration has terminated hundreds of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a key climate research agency. Notifications were sent via email, informing affected staff that their positions would end immediately. The layoffs primarily impacted probationary employees, who represent about 10% of NOAA's workforce, many of whom had been with the agency for over a decade. Current employees expressed concern over the loss of experienced staff and the potential negative impact on NOAA's ability to provide critical weather forecasts and climate data. Critics, including former NOAA officials and members of Congress, condemned the cuts as reckless and harmful to public safety, arguing that they jeopardize the agency's mission to protect lives and manage environmental resources. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen labeled the layoffs as "flatly illegal," while the climate advocacy group Union of Concerned Scientists urged the administration to maintain NOAA's funding and staffing levels. The administration has not publicly commented on the firings, which have drawn widespread criticism for their perceived lack of justification and potential consequences for national security and public safety.

- The Trump administration has laid off hundreds of NOAA employees, primarily affecting probationary staff.

- Current employees warn that the cuts will harm NOAA's ability to deliver essential climate and weather services.

- Critics, including lawmakers and former NOAA officials, have condemned the layoffs as reckless and illegal.

- The Union of Concerned Scientists has called for the preservation of NOAA's funding and staffing.

- The administration has not provided a public response to the layoffs.