Trump Administration Plans to Reclassify NOAA, DOE Employees

The Trump administration is reclassifying federal workers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to a new job category with fewer protections, enabling easier termination. This initiative is part of a broader plan announced by Trump on his first day in office, aimed at facilitating layoffs and eliminating career civil servants who may oppose his policies. Employees at NOAA have been informed that a preliminary list for reclassification will be shared, with acting assistant administrator Emily Menashes acknowledging employee concerns about the changes. As of now, it remains unclear how many employees will be affected or if similar reclassifications will occur at other federal agencies. Most federal employees are currently protected from dismissal unless there is just cause. Both NOAA and DOE have not provided detailed responses regarding the reclassification process.