NOAA's Great Lakes lab lost about 35 percent of its workforce
Reporting and findings
- reported
ProPublica reported that NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory lost about 35 percent of its 52-person workforce, including the only worker who published weekly harmful-algal-bloom sampling data, while local utilities relied on its forecasts.
- ProPublica: Millions of People Depend on the Great Lakes' Water Supply. Trump Decimated the Lab Protecting It.Passages and source records documenting: NOAA's Great Lakes lab lost about 35 percent of its workforce
- documented
Howard Lutnick was the Trump-appointed commerce secretary.
- United States Senate: Roll Call Vote 57: Confirmation of Howard LutnickAppointment or biography record identifying Howard Lutnick as Trump-appointed commerce secretary
- documented
Elon Musk was the Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work.
- The White House: President Trump participates in a press conference with departing DOGE adviser Elon MuskAppointment or biography record identifying Elon Musk as Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- documented
Russell Vought was the Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director.
- United States Senate: Roll Call Vote 37: Confirmation of Russell VoughtAppointment or biography record identifying Russell Vought as Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
Summary and current status
The lab's toxic-algae and hypoxia forecasts guide drinking-water treatment for more than 1.3 million Cleveland-area residents.
Hiring freeze and departures left key forecasting roles vacant
People and organizations
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationCommerce science agency monitoring Great Lakes hazards
- Russell VoughtTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
- Howard LutnickTrump-appointed commerce secretary
- Elon MuskTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- Donald J. Trumppresident authorizing the administration action
Relationships in this file
- Elon Muskcut the laboratory workforce protecting drinking waterNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed commerce secretaryHoward Lutnick
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE workElon Musk
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB directorRussell Vought
Figures
Great Lakes lab workforce lossabout 35% Calculation details
- Basis
- Observed
- Population
- 52-member NOAA Great Lakes laboratory workforce
- Period
- 2025-02-01 to 2025-05-06
- Method
- Union roster and staffing changes reported by ProPublica.
- Uncertainty
- Includes firings, early retirements, and separations; later staffing may change.