While Half of the U.S. Is Facing Extreme Weather, Trump Continues to Dismantle Our Forecasting Capabilities

Washington, DC – While over half of the U.S. is facing extreme weather from blizzards, heatwaves, severe storms, and tornado watches, Trump is continuing his mission to dismantle our forecasting capabilities. In his latest move, Trump is considering breaking up and privatizing part of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)—stalling critical research and weakening our preparedness for dangerous extreme weather events. From weakening our forecasting to gutting FEMA, Trump is leaving communities unprepared for disasters. Trump’s new pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, will have to answer for how the administration is undermining disaster response.

Climate Power Senior Advisor Mia Logan issued the following statement: “Millions of people experiencing extreme weather today are counting on accurate forecasts to keep them safe. Instead of doing anything to address the climate crisis, which is fueling more frequent and deadly extreme weather events, Trump is actively gutting our emergency preparedness and weather forecasting capabilities. Trump is leaving people more vulnerable and less prepared for disasters.” 

Trump is dismantling our forecasting capabilities, degrading forecasts and putting lives at risk during extreme weather: 

• Trump is considering dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research—stalling critical research and weakening our preparedness for dangerous extreme weather events.
  
• The National Weather Service (NWS) lost nearly 600 employees due to cuts from the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE.
  
• Trump’s cuts have left nearly half of National Weather Service forecast offices with 20% vacancy rates and 30 of 122 offices missing their chief meteorologist.
  
• Because of the Trump administration’s massive layoffs, NWS eliminated or reduced vital weather balloon launches, which degraded forecasts during storms and put lives at risk.
  
• Trump fired and planned to cut about 2,300 workers at NOAA, including hurricane hunters and researchers at the National Severe Storm Laboratory. NOAA scientists said Trump’s cuts to the agency undermine critical hurricane forecasts.
• NOAA announced it would no longer track the number of climate disasters that cost over $1 billion. This data was critical for measuring the impacts of extreme weather disasters and preparing for future catastrophic events.