India, Feb. 28 -- Hundreds of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have been laid off as part of the Donald Trump administration's broad effort to reduce the size of the United States' federal government.

The move has drawn widespread condemnation from lawmakers, scientists and former NOAA officials, who warn of serious consequences for public safety, economic stability and national security.

The layoffs, which began on February 27, 2025, targeted probationary employees - those with less than two years of service or who had recently been promoted or transferred. The Commerce Department, which oversees NOAA, issued termination notices to affected employees, some of whom were given as little as two hour...