Confusion and Rescinded Firing at Nuclear Agency Amid Political Shakeup

USUnited States|

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) experienced significant upheaval this week as more than 300 employees were initially fired amid broader Energy Department layoffs, only to have those terminations rescinded the following day. According to four sources familiar with the situation, the firings occurred without clear understanding from Trump administration officials regarding the agency's critical role in managing the nation's nuclear stockpile.

An Energy Department spokesperson contested the dismissal figures, stating that "less than 50" people were let go and that these were primarily in administrative positions. On Friday, acting NNSA administrator Teresa Robbins announced that the terminations would be reversed after lawmakers expressed alarm over the impact on national security. A Senate staffer revealed that Congress was explicitly concerned about the lack of awareness regarding NNSA's responsibilities, emphasizing the agency's importance in maintaining the U.S. nuclear deterrent.

The NNSA's total workforce stands at around 1,800 employees. As this situation continues to evolve, the Energy Department affirmed its commitment to national security.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United States

West Virginia Couple Sentenced to Over 375 Years for Abusing Adopted Children

A West Virginia couple, Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and Donald Lantz, has been sentenced to a combined total of 375 years in prison for the severe abuse of their five adopted Black children. The couple, aged 63 and 62 respectively, targeted the children, aged 6 to 16, after adopting them from a shelter for vulnerable youth. Prosecutors revealed that the children were forced into slave labor on their farm and often deprived of basic needs. The prosecution's case was bolstered by a 2023 report from a concerned neighbor, prompting an investigation by Child Protective Services. Deputies discovered two children locked in a shed without running water, while others were found in similarly dire conditions, wearing dirty clothes. After a jury found them guilty in January on multiple counts, including human trafficking and violating civil rights, sentencing was delivered by Judge MaryClaire Akers, who described the couple's actions as creating "hell" for the children. Whitefeather received a 215-year sentence while Lantz was sentenced to 160 years. They were also ordered to pay $280,000 in restitution to each victim.
USUnited States

China Becomes the World's Leading Shipbuilder, Raising US Concerns

Recent analysis indicates that China has overtaken the United States as the dominant force in global shipbuilding, alarming Pentagon officials due to America's increasing dependency on Chinese-built vessels. According to a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the U.S. commercial shipbuilding sector accounted for merely 0.11% of the global total in 2024, marking a sharp decline in its industry presence. Once the preeminent naval power, the U.S. Navy had 282 battle-force ships two decades ago compared to China's 220. However, the current numbers have shifted drastically, with China boasting approximately 400 ships compared to the U.S. fleet of 295, highlighting a significant change in maritime military balance. Japan and South Korea, previously leaders in shipbuilding, are now struggling to maintain competitiveness against the rapid advancements and expansion of China's shipbuilding capabilities, as noted in the same CSIS report. The implications of this shift could impact both military and commercial maritime strategies for the U.S. and its allies.
USUnited States

Minnesota Senator Resigns Following Arrest for Soliciting Minor

Republican Senator Justin Eichorn of Grand Rapids resigned on March 20, 2025, amid allegations of soliciting sex from a minor. Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson confirmed the acceptance of Eichorn’s resignation, stating, “This is the right thing to do for his family and the Senate," according to local reports. Eichorn, 40, faces a charge of attempting to pay for sex with someone under 18, alongside federal charges for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. His arrest followed a sting operation in Bloomington, where an undercover officer posed as a 17-year-old girl and posted advertisements offering prostitution services. Eichorn allegedly engaged in multiple attempts to arrange a meeting with the purported minor, even after being informed of her age. During his arrest, police found two cell phones, a condom, and $129 in cash inside his vehicle. Eichorn has served two terms as a state senator and currently represents Senate District 6, encompassing parts of Itasca, Cass, and Crow Wing counties. Minnesota law prohibits hiring individuals for sexual conduct when believed to be under 18.
USUnited States
All United States News ->