Make Me Smart Trump cuts and the National Weather Service
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Jul 10, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Marketplace’s Amy Scott, a senior correspondent and host of How We Survive, dives into the alarming impacts of staffing cuts at the National Weather Service. She highlights the potential decline in accuracy of weather forecasts during critical situations, such as the recent floods in Texas. The talk also covers concerns over privatization and climate change, plus the challenges posed by cuts to FEMA and local disaster preparedness. Together, they advocate for community resilience and proactive measures in the face of worsening weather.
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Impact of Staffing Cuts
- Trump administration cuts led to about 4,000 job losses at the National Weather Service.
- Crucial vacancies, like a key coordinator in Texas, raised concerns about disaster response effectiveness.
Former Director Critiques Staff Cuts
- Former NWS director Louis Uccellini criticized the crude approach to letting go top weather service staff.
- Early retirements affected top talent, harming forecast and emergency coordination capabilities.
Staffing Cuts Threaten Safety
- Staffing cuts threaten public safety by reducing accurate severe weather warnings.
- Severe weather forecasts save lives, so staffing is critical for effective early warnings.