US Energy Dept identifies thousands at risk of DOGE reductions, reports AP

A report by the Associated Press on Friday said that the U.S. Energy Department had identified thousands of employees it deemed non-essential. This includes staff at its office which manages America's nuclear arsenal. These workers would not be protected during a second round.

It reported that more than 8,500 employees across the department, and 500 positions within the National Nuclear Security Administration (which also works to secure nuclear materials around the globe) were deemed as "non-essential," citing a report.

A source at NNSA said that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency asked the office to identify staff that were not essential. However, they were told that future cuts would be avoided because of the office’s key role in nuclear safety.

A spokesperson for the Energy Department said that "no final decisions have yet been made, and several plans are still under consideration." A spokesperson for the department said that it is currently conducting a broad review.

In the first round of NNSA cuts, dozens were laid off after a much larger layoff of over 300 was rescinded due to chaos amongst staff who lost access to their government-issued laptops and phones. Energy Secretary Chris Wright apologized publicly for mistakes made in the first round at NNSA.

It is very concerning that the Department may be considering the firing of the experts who are tasked with maintaining an arsenal of nuclear weapons which is safe, secure and reliable," U.S. In a joint statement, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Marcy Captur (D-OH) made their concerns known. (Reporting and Editing by Margueritachoy)

(source: Reuters)