NASA employees and allies protested sweeping science cuts they say are gutting the agency from within. As Congress pushes back on NASA leadership, workers warn the damage is already underway — and the future of U.

On July 21, several hundred current and former employees of the space agency released an official letter of dissent, titled “The Voyager Declaration,” arguing against “rapid and wasteful changes which have undermined our mission.

Hundreds of current and former NASA employees protest budget cuts, warning they harm safety, national security, and scientific progress.

"NASA is being dismantled now, treating the President's budget request as marching orders rather than proposed legislation," Finch said. "Damage is occurring rapidly, daily. Although Congress is signaling bipartisan support to fund NASA, by the time they have an FY 26 budget passed, the damage will be widespread, fait accompli."

NASA is preparing for a major shift in its workforce as nearly 20% of its employees are expected to leave the agency.

Draconian budget and staff cuts could mean another Challenger disaster, warn current and former NASA employees.

NASA has lost about 500 people via normal attrition as well since Trump took office in January. Counting those losses, NASA's workforce will shrink to about 14,000 by Jan. 9, 2026, when the employees who said yes during the DRP's second phase will come off the rolls, Warner said in the statement.

The White House's 2026 budget proposal threatens dozens of active and upcoming science missions designed to explore the cosmos.