NASA announces shuttering of two departments and office of chief scientist

Summary

NASA eliminated its chief scientist's office and two departments, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), following Trump administration orders aimed at federal efficiency.

Trump’s acting administrator Janet Petro labeled DEIA initiatives “divisive” and “wasteful,” sparking criticism amid NASA’s ongoing Artemis program that aims to land the first woman and person of color on the moon.

Analysts and scientists fear irreversible damage to climate policy and diversity efforts, with astrophysicist Grant Tremblay warning, “Its gutting has begun… Many of these cuts are likely to be essentially irreversible.”