Trump Administration Halts Nuclear Firings

The Donald Trump administration initiated and then largely halted the firings of hundreds of federal employees within the United States — United States Department of Energy, specifically the United States — Social Security Administration. These layoffs, part of a broader DOGE purge targeting about 2,000 employees, primarily affected staff working on the United States' nuclear weapons programs, including those at the United States — Pantex. The initial firings, which occurred abruptly on February 13, 2025, caused widespread confusion and concern among workers and experts, who cautioned that such actions could jeopardize national security and community safety. Acting director Teresa Robbins later rescinded most of the terminations, reinstating all but 28 of the fired staff. Critics like Arms Control Association and Edwin Lyman highlighted the DOGE team's lack of understanding of the United States — United States Department of Energy's critical functions, particularly its role in nuclear defense. The event raised questions about the stability of the United States' nuclear program and its implications for international relations.