Trump hit with rare public rebuke from hundreds of scientists over 'dire' cuts

Hundreds of NASA scientists issued a rare public rebuke on Monday against the agency's funding cuts.

More than 285 scientists signed a public letter to NASA interim administrator Sean Duffy, who also leads the Department of Transportation. The letter describes the funding cuts, which President Donald Trump requested, could "waste public resources, compromise human safety, weaken national security, and undermine the core NASA mission.

"We are compelled to speak up when our leadership prioritizes political momentum over human safety, scientific advancement, and efficient use of public resources," the letter reads in part. "These cuts are arbitrary and have been enacted in defiance of congressional appropriations law. The consequences for the agency and the country alike are dire."

The letter was published at a time when Republicans on the Hill seem eager to help Trump cut funding for government agencies, including funds that were previously approved by Congress.

Last week, Republicans passed a rescissions bill to claw back $9 billion in Congressionally-approved funding for public media and foreign aid.

A proposal circulating through House committees seeks to cut funding for NASA by $6 billion, representing 50% of its overall budget, including a 33% reduction to aeronautics.

The letter's signatories also objected to policy changes implemented within the department. For example, NASA leaders recently proposed cutting its Technical Authority capacity, which is an internal system of checks and balances. The signatories also dissented from reducing funding for active missions, non-strategic staffing reductions, and canceling NASA's participation in international missions.

"Employees across the agency have raised concerns about recent actions to NASA leadership, yet we remain pressured to implement harmful measures," the letter continues.

Read the entire letter here.