Mass Layoffs Hit U.S. Nuclear Security Department, Raising National Security Concerns

Hundreds of employees from a U.S. department responsible for maintaining the nation’s nuclear arsenal have been laid off, sparking concerns about the long-term security of the country’s nuclear weapons program.

Probationary employees began receiving termination notices Thursday night, according to two former employees who spoke with ABC News. The layoffs affect a division responsible for counterterrorism efforts—including tracking nuclear weapons in the hands of U.S. adversaries. A first-response unit that handles nuclear emergencies worldwide was also impacted.

Current and former workers described the situation as a "national security crisis," warning that the loss of nuclear expertise could have irreversible consequences.

One employee expressed concern that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)—which already has a small workforce of about 1,800 employees—is losing critical nuclear weapons knowledge that may never be recovered.

Despite the terminations, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) assured the public that the U.S. nuclear stockpile remains safe, secure, and reliable, according to a statement on its website.