 "Trump administration fired officials without realising they handled country’s nuclear weapons: Report")
The Donald Trump administration may have fired hundreds of staffers at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) without realising they were responsible for handling the USA’s nuclear stockpile, according to a report by CNN.
The US news broadcaster reported, citing four people familiar with the matter, that around 300 people were sacked Thursday night (February 13).
However, an Energy Department spokesperson later claimed that only “less than 50 people” were fired and most of them held “primarily administrative and clerical roles.”
By Friday morning, the NNSA had already started rescinding the terminations, reported CNN.
Who was fired at NNSA?
According to sources cited by the news broadcaster, among those fired were employees who write requirements and guidelines for contractors who build nuclear weapons.
“No one has taken anytime to understand what we do and the importance of our work to the nation’s national security,” one source said.
Members of Congress ‘freaking out’
According to the report, as soon as the details of the Trump administration’s move came out, some members of the Congress expressed concerns and met with Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
“Congress is freaking out because it appears DOE didn’t really realize NNSA oversees the nuclear stockpile,” said the source. “The nuclear deterrent is the backbone of American security and stability – period. For there to be any even very small holes poked even in the maintenance of that deterrent should be extremely frightening to people.”
Terminations rescinded
NNSA administrator Teresa Robbins Friday said that the agency had received directions to rescind the terminations of probationary employees.
“There is a good probability that most or all probationary employees who were fired could return,” Robbins reportedly said.
According to reports, the only probationary staff that was spared from Thursday night firings was those involved in transportation.
Impact Shorts
View AllEmployees at the Office of Secure Transportation are responsible for moving nuclear weapons around the country safely.
(With inputs from agencies)
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