Washington’s nuclear arms agency has been forced to furlough most of its full-time staff due to a halt in federal funding, as the government shutdown continues to affect critical operations. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which is responsible for the production and safeguarding of nuclear weapons, has faced significant challenges due to the lack of funding. This has led to the furlough of approximately 1,400 employees, primarily those involved in overseeing the development of weapons and nuclear non-proliferation activities.
During the shutdown, the administration of former President Donald Trump managed to keep the NNSA’s key weapons labs and plants operating by utilizing contractors. However, this approach has not been sufficient to maintain the full operational capacity of the agency. CNN has reported that the ongoing shutdown could delay the production of nuclear weapons by months or even years, which could have serious consequences for the U.S. military’s readiness and strategic capabilities.
The situation has also raised concerns about the broader impact of the government shutdown on the U.S. military and national security. The shutdown has affected not only the production of nuclear weapons but also the supply of conventional weapons, which are essential for maintaining military readiness across the country. Trump’s criticism of the previous administration for sending weapons to Ukraine has further complicated the situation, as he has argued that the U.S. needs to prioritize its own defense capabilities.