US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified before a House Appropriations Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on June 5, 2025. During his testimony, Lutnick emphasized that the National Hurricane Center is fully staffed and dismissed reports of meteorologist firings as fake news. However, recent data reveals a staffing shortage at the NHC with several key vacancies, impacting forecasting operations for the ongoing hurricane season. Despite Lutnick’s assertions, the reality is that the NHC and other National Weather Service offices are facing critical staffing issues, potentially compromising forecast accuracy. The Trump administration’s cutbacks have led to job reductions at the NWS, including experienced meteorologists, affecting the agency’s overall staffing levels. Concerns persist regarding the impact of these staffing challenges on weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities. The NWS and NOAA have defended the staffing situation, highlighting ongoing efforts to address vacancies and ensure operational effectiveness during the hurricane season.
