NASA shutters DEI office as Trump admin downsizes federal agencies
NASA is set to undergo further office closures as part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to downsize the government. Acting administrator Janet Petro informed employees in a memo on Monday about the “phased reduction in force” that is taking place ahead of the deadline for federal agencies to submit their layoff plans this week.
In the memo, Petro emphasized that while the office closures will require difficult adjustments, they present an opportunity to reshape the workforce and ensure that NASA is meeting its statutory obligations while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness for American citizens.
The offices slated for closure include NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy, the Office of the Chief Scientist, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch within the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity. These closures are in compliance with Trump’s executive order, “Implementing the President’s Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative.”
It is unclear how many employees will be impacted by these office closures, as NASA has not provided specific numbers in response to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
Federal agencies, including NASA, are required to report their plans for downsizing their workforce to the Office of Personnel Management by Thursday. This directive was announced last month by President Trump and Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The closure of these offices is part of a broader effort within the Trump administration to streamline government operations and reduce redundancy. While the move may result in job losses for some NASA employees, the goal is to create a more efficient and effective agency that can better serve the American people.
In related news, President Trump has also announced a shift away from the DEI visa policy that surged under the Biden administration, according to experts. This policy change is expected to have implications for immigration and workforce diversity in the United States.
As NASA navigates these changes and works to realign its workforce, the agency remains committed to its mission of exploring space and advancing scientific knowledge. The closure of these offices is just one step in a larger effort to ensure that NASA remains a leader in space exploration and research.
**Author:** Jamie Joseph is a U.S. Politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covering transgender and culture issues, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, and stateside legislative developments.
