The Guardian
Experts warn Trump’s NOAA cuts weaken US readiness for El Niño hazards
Former government officials and scientists say cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have left the US less equipped to anticipate, study and respond to extreme weather. Under Donald Trump, the agency has lost about one-fifth of its staff since January 2025, as the country faces hazards associated with El Niño this winter.

What to know
- 01
NOAA’s workforce has shrunk by roughly one-fifth since January 2025.
- 02
The cuts include canceled contracts and grants, alongside closures of databases and research laboratories.
Why it matters
The warnings highlight the link between climate-agency resources and US capacity to forecast and respond to extreme weather.
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