The Trump administration has dismissed 23 officials and employees from NASA, including its chief scientist, Katherine Calvin. According to a report by AFP, NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner confirmed this development.
Warner stated, “A government notice was issued on March 10. After reviewing it, we found that 23 employees, including Katherine Calvin, have been dismissed. More names may be added to the list in the coming days.”
The notice also mentioned that those listed for termination could apply for voluntary retirement with certain benefits. However, if they do not apply, they will be immediately dismissed.
Katherine Calvin, a climate expert, was the chief executive of NASA’s climate research division. She was also involved in preparing the United Nations’ annual climate report. Indications of her dismissal were apparent since February when she was invited to a major climate science seminar in Beijing but was later barred from attending.
For decades, NASA has played a key role in climate research, using satellites and advanced technology to collect and analyze environmental data. Organizations like the United Nations rely on NASA’s findings for their reports.
Former President Donald Trump has consistently dismissed climate change as “fake science.” Recently, he withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement on climate change, just as he did during his first term.
A source close to Trump stated that he envisions NASA as an innovation-driven organization rather than a research-focused one. This restructuring aligns with his goal of cutting positions in research divisions.