Over 2,000 senior NASA employees are leaving the space agency amid proposed budget cuts, potentially jeopardizing ambitious plans for lunar and Martian

At least 2,145 senior-ranking NASA employees are set to leave under a push to shed staff, according to documents obtained by POLITICO — potentially spelling trouble for White House space policy and depriving the agency of decades of experience.

The departures come in the wake of a proposed White House budget for 2026 that would cut NASA’s funding by 25 percent and reduce its workforce by over 5,000 employees. If approved by Congress, these cuts would leave the agency operating with its smallest budget and staff levels since the early 1960s, POLITICO noted.

NASA will repotedly lay off more than 2,000 senior-ranking employees following budget cuts under US President Donald Trump. About 2,145 staff members in GS-13 to GS-15 positions—senior-level government ranks—are set to leave as the agency pushes to reduce its workforce, reported Politico.

Over 2,100 senior NASA employees are set to leave amid workforce cuts and budget tightening under Trump, as leadership uncertainty and tensions with Elon Musk disrupt the agency's direction.

More than 2000 employees at the US’ famed space agency NASA are set to be cut, according to leaked documents. News outlet Politico reports 2145 senior staffers were set to leave under broader Trump administration plans to trim the federal workforce.

Elon Musk might have been deposed from DOGE, but the government cuts are still coming. As reported by Politico, some 2,145 high-level NASA employees are about to leave the agency, as the effort to cut US government spending continues.

NASA is expected to lose 2,145 senior staff due to proposed Trump administration budget cuts, potentially impacting future research and missions.