Trump officials fired nuclear staff not realizing they oversee the country’s weapons stockpile, sources say

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The Trump administration fired over 300 employees from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the agency responsible for overseeing the U.S. nuclear stockpile
• Sources claim officials were unaware of the agency's critical role
• Following backlash, the Department of Energy began rescinding some terminations

🔭 The context: The layoffs were part of broader cuts at the Department of Energy, with some employees dismissed from nuclear weapons facilities
• NNSA staff oversee the building and inspection of nuclear weapons, and their firing raised alarms among lawmakers
• The administration initially justified the dismissals by citing "poor performance," leading to resignations within the department’s HR team

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The sudden firings raised concerns over national security, as NNSA not only maintains the U.S. nuclear deterrent but also tracks nuclear risks globally
• Experts warn that disruptions to NNSA’s workforce could weaken oversight of nuclear materials and weapons safety
• Some cited the recent Russian attack on a Ukrainian nuclear facility as a reminder of the risks

⏭️ What's next: Congress has expressed strong opposition to the NNSA firings, with senators reportedly pressuring the Energy Secretary to reverse course
• While some employees may be reinstated, the situation remains fluid
• The controversy underscores tensions over national security policy within the Trump administration

💬 One quote: “Congress is freaking out because it appears DOE didn’t really realize NNSA oversees the nuclear stockpile”

📈 One stat: NNSA employs 1,800 staff across the U.S., with the layoffs initially affecting up to 300 workers

Click for more news covering the latest on nuclear energy and labor rights