Technology Trade Associations Warn that NIST Staffing Cuts Would Compromise U.S. Leadership in AI

On March 10, 2025, a group of leading technology trade associations and organizations sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warning that planned staffing cuts at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) would compromise “the ability of the American AI industry to continue to lead globally.” The reduction in force (RIF) contemplated at the time — reported at up to 500 probationary employees, or roughly 20 percent of NIST's workforce, and including the elimination of the entire Atomic Spectroscopy Group — was never formally executed. The Office of Personnel Management's separation data reflects no RIF separations at NIST in 2025. However, NIST lost more than 700 employees (roughly one-fifth of its workforce) in 2025. These staffing losses were the result of a March 3, 2025 termination of 73 probationary employees as well as deferred resignations, retirements, and other attrition, with departures concentrated among the CHIPS, cybersecurity, and AI-related staff mentioned in the letter.