The Trump administration recently dismissed several employees from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) as part of a broader wave of federal government layoffs—only to reverse course and ask some of them to return.
This unexpected decision shed light on the NNSA, an agency with a critical but often overlooked role: ensuring the safety, maintenance, and modernization of the United States’ nuclear arsenal.
What Does the NNSA Do?
The NNSA is responsible for maintaining and refurbishing the country’s stockpile of over 3,000 nuclear warheads. It also oversees the development of new warheads and directs research efforts at key national laboratories, including the historic Los Alamos National Laboratory. With an annual budget of $25 billion, the agency employs around 2,000 federal workers and manages over 55,000 contractors involved in nuclear security.
Beyond weapons maintenance, the NNSA works to prevent nuclear proliferation and develops nuclear propulsion systems for the U.S. Navy’s submarines.
Which Department Oversees the NNSA?
Despite its crucial role in national defense, the NNSA is housed within the Department of Energy, not the Department of Defense. This has long been a point of confusion, even for former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, who was reportedly surprised to learn that his role included oversight of the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
What Happened with the Firings?
Last week, approximately 300 probationary employees at the NNSA were dismissed, according to sources familiar with the matter. However, the Department of Energy disputed that figure, stating that fewer than 50 employees were affected, primarily those in administrative and clerical roles.
By Friday night, some of those fired were unexpectedly asked to return, though efforts to contact them were hampered because their government email access had already been revoked.
Why Is This a Critical Moment for the NNSA?
The agency is leading efforts to modernize America’s aging nuclear arsenal. As of 2024, it was running seven warhead modernization programs, with the U.S. military planning to spend approximately $1.7 trillion on nuclear infrastructure updates.
Former NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby noted that the agency was undertaking more responsibilities than at any time since the Manhattan Project. Delays or disruptions in staffing could slow the Defense Department’s nuclear modernization efforts, which rely on the timely production and maintenance of warheads.
Why Are Staffing Issues a Concern?
The NNSA has struggled with workforce retention due to demanding workloads and competition from the private sector. In 2024, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm testified before Congress that attrition among skilled employees remained a pressing issue.
Government reports have warned that staffing shortages could hinder critical nuclear security operations. The Government Accountability Office estimated that by 2026, the NNSA could be 200 positions short of what’s necessary to meet its mission.
With nuclear modernization efforts at a pivotal stage, the abrupt dismissals—and subsequent reinstatements—of NNSA employees have raised concerns about workforce stability and the agency’s ability to fulfill its vital role.