Nearly 4,000 NASA employees have opted to leave the agency through a voluntary resignation program launched by the Trump administration, NASA confirmed Saturday.
Approximately 3,870 individuals are expected to leave, though that figure may fluctuate in the coming days and weeks, NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner said, adding that about 14,000 employees are expected to remain at the agency.
The program is part of a broader federal workforce reduction plan by the Department of Government Efficiency, aimed at streamlining agencies and cutting costs.
“Safety remains a top priority for our agency as we balance the need to become a more streamlined and more efficient organization and work to ensure we remain fully capable of pursuing a Golden Era of exploration and innovation, including to the Moon and Mars,” Warner said.
NASA has not detailed how the cuts will affect its current operations. The timeline for full implementation remains unclear.
A White House budget proposal released in May recommends cutting NASA’s funding by approximately 25% for fiscal year 2026, reducing it from around $24 billion to $18 billion. Congress is still debating that proposal, with both chambers considering maintaining current funding levels.
Despite the looming cuts, NASA recently received a major funding boost through the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Signed by President Donald Trump, the legislation secures nearly $10 billion in additional funding for the agency through 2032 to support its upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars.
The White House’s proposed budget cuts have drawn criticism from scientists and space advocacy groups, including The Planetary Society.
“The Planetary Society believes that a great nation deserves a great space program, one that reflects our national ideals and serves the public interest,” the organization said in response to the May budget proposal. “This proposal doesn’t merely fall short — it actively rejects that promise, undermining the rare opportunity NASA provides to build unity at home and collaboration abroad through American leadership.”
