Nationwide Protests Erupt Against NOAA Layoffs, Over 1,000 Attendees

Protests erupted across the country in response to mass layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other federal agencies, with demonstrators condemning the Trump administration's actions as dangerous and illegal. In Boulder, Colorado, over 1,000 protesters, including former Congress members, expressed their outrage over the cuts made by the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency, which they claim jeopardizes public safety and critical environmental services. Participants emphasized NOAA's vital role in weather forecasting and public safety, with former employees sharing personal stories of hardship following their terminations. U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen also criticized the layoffs, warning that they could have severe consequences for the public. Across various locations, protesters held signs advocating for the preservation of NOAA and the importance of science in government, highlighting concerns about the integrity of environmental and weather-related services. The administration has remained largely silent on the specifics of the layoffs, leading to uncertainty about the impact on operations.