Hundreds of FAA employees fired, nuclear workers told to return: Reports

• Hundreds of FAA probationary employees received layoff notices Friday, Feb. 14, as part of the Trump administration’s effort to shrink the federal workforce. The affected workers install, inspect and maintain air traffic control communications, radio and computer systems.
• The layoffs coincided with the administration’s initiative to modernize air traffic control, including a visit from SpaceX engineers to propose improvements.
• Labor unions argued that sudden staffing reductions could compromise national security and aviation safety, while the administration defended the layoffs as part of its commitment to reducing bureaucracy.

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Hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) probationary employees received layoff notices on Friday, Feb. 14. The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union reported that affected workers install, inspect and maintain air traffic control communications, radio and computer systems.

The move is part of the Trump administration’s effort to shrink the federal workforce. FAA employees impacted by these cuts could be barred from facilities as soon as Tuesday, Feb. 18.

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What role does SpaceX play in air traffic reform?

The layoffs come as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that Elon Musk’s SpaceX team members will visit the FAA’s Air Traffic Control Command Center in Warrenton, Virginia, on Monday. The visit is part of the administration’s initiative to modernize the air traffic control system.

Duffy stated that SpaceX engineers will observe the current system, hear from air traffic controllers and propose improvements. Musk responded, emphasizing that “the safety of air travel is a non-partisan matter.”

Meanwhile, the FAA faces staffing shortages.

According to Senators Jeanne Shaheen and John Hoeven, the agency currently operates 3,500 controllers short of its target levels. The two advocated for increased funding following a fatal midair collision near Washington Reagan National Airport on Jan. 29 that killed 67 people.

How is the Trump administration handling federal workforce cuts?

While FAA cuts proceeded, the administration halted the firings of hundreds of employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

The Department of Energy originally laid off 350 workers on Feb. 13 as part of a government-wide effort to reduce staffing in federal agencies. However, by late Friday night, the NNSA reversed most of those dismissals, rescinding all but 28 layoffs.

The NNSA oversees America’s nuclear arsenal, nuclear warhead modernization programs and national laboratories responsible for defense-related scientific research.

The agency, which operates under the Department of Energy rather than the Department of Defense, faces critical staffing shortages due to ongoing nuclear weapons upgrades.

What is the broader impact of these federal job cuts?

The federal government employs over 200,000 probationary workers, many of whom have little protection against termination within their first year on the job.

The Trump administration previously attempted to encourage voluntary departures through incentive programs but later withdrew offers to air traffic controllers and TSA officers.

Labor unions representing FAA and nuclear security employees argue that sudden staffing reductions place unnecessary strain on existing workers and could compromise national security and aviation safety. The administration has defended the layoffs as part of its commitment to reducing bureaucracy while prioritizing modernization efforts in sectors like air traffic control and nuclear defense.

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What’s next?

Federal agencies are preparing for additional workforce restructuring as the administration moves forward with its government efficiency strategy.

Duffy is expected to visit the FAA Academy in Oklahoma this week to meet with air traffic controller trainees and discuss recruitment efforts.

Meanwhile, congressional leaders closely monitor the impact of staffing reductions at the FAA and NNSA, particularly as both agencies face mounting operational demands.