Hundreds protest NOAA layoffs, demand reversal of DOGE cuts

Hundreds of people gathered on Monday (March 3) outside National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offices in multiple U.S. cities to protest the mass firing of employees amid reported cuts in the U.S. pubic sector.

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In Silver Spring, Maryland, demonstrators rallied under the slogan “Save NOAA Now!”, calling for the reinstatement of terminated workers.

“NOAA is critical—from ensuring the safety of our seafood to providing life-saving hurricane forecasts,” said protester Mike Tidwell. “This agency plays a vital role in our lives, and we need to keep it strong.”

Former NOAA employee Hendrick Simoes warned of the broader consequences of the cuts. “NOAA impacts every aspect of life in America,” he said. “With these layoffs, we’re a less safe society, and we’re more vulnerable to extreme weather.”

The layoffs, which affected hundreds of NOAA employees last week, come as the agency continues to provide essential weather forecasting and hurricane warnings for the country.