NASA Faces Workforce Cut of Nearly 4,000 Amid Budget Cuts

NASA is set to experience a significant reduction in its workforce, with nearly 4,000 employees opting for the Trump administration’s “deferred resignation” program. This move will decrease the agency’s workforce by more than 20%, highlighting the ongoing efforts to reduce government spending. The update was provided by NASA’s News Chief, Cheryl Warner, in a communication to reporters on July 25, 2023.

The deferred resignation program (DRP) allows participants to remain on paid administrative leave until a predetermined departure date. So far, NASA employees have had two opportunities to apply for this program. In the initial phase, which concluded in February, approximately 870 employees, or 4.8% of the workforce, opted in. During the second phase, which closed just before midnight EDT on July 25, around 3,000 employees—representing 16.4% of the agency—selected the DRP. This latter group includes individuals who also participated in similar initiatives, namely the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) and the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP).

While these figures are substantial, Warner cautioned that they may fluctuate in the coming weeks. Some employees might withdraw their applications, while others could face rejections. Since the start of the Trump administration in January 2017, NASA has also seen a loss of approximately 500 employees due to regular attrition. By January 9, 2026, when the second phase participants officially depart, NASA’s workforce is projected to shrink to roughly 14,000.

The DRP and associated programs will account for an estimated 21% cut in NASA’s overall workforce. This reduction is part of a broader strategy by the White House to decrease spending across various government sectors. In line with this effort, President Trump proposed a dramatic 24% reduction in NASA’s overall funding in his 2026 federal budget request, which also includes nearly a 50% cut to the agency’s science budget.

These proposed budget cuts have triggered significant backlash from the scientific community. Numerous protests have emerged from scientists, engineers, and concerned citizens advocating for space science and exploration. A notable response came from nearly 300 NASA scientists who signed the “Voyager Declaration.” This declaration warns that the proposed budget reductions could severely impact American scientific research and astronaut safety.

As NASA navigates this challenging period, the implications of the workforce reduction and budget cuts remain a critical concern for the future of space exploration and scientific advancement in the United States.