NASA Shuts Down Key Science and DEI Offices Under Trump Administration Orders

The closures and layoffs of 23 employees signal a shift in NASA's priorities toward exploration and away from climate research and diversity initiatives.

NASA has closed three offices: the Office of the Chief Scientist, the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) branch.
The closures are part of a broader federal workforce reduction mandated by President Trump's executive orders aimed at cost-cutting and eliminating DEI programs.
Katherine Calvin, NASA's Chief Scientist and Senior Climate Advisor, was among 23 employees laid off, leaving the agency without a Chief Scientist for the foreseeable future.
The cuts come as NASA faces potential further reductions in its science budget, raising concerns about the future of its climate research and Earth science programs.
Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro described the reductions as a necessary step to align with administration priorities while reshaping the agency's workforce.