In accordance with directives from US President Donald Trump, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, said on Tuesday that its chief scientist and other employees had been fired.

This development is the most recent in a string of government initiatives that undermine research on climate change.

Although only 23 staff are impacted by the change, a representative revealed that additional layoffs are anticipated.

Notably, the Office of the Chief Scientist, headed by famous climatologist Katherine Calvin, who contributed to important UN climate assessments, was eliminated in the first round.

According to reports, Calvin and other American representatives were denied entry to a significant climate scientific conference in China last month.

NASA is starting its phased approach to a reduction in force, known as a RIF, in order to maximize our staff and in accordance with an Executive Order, according to agency spokesperson Cheryl Warner.

Additionally, the Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy, and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s Accessibility Branch were dissolved.

According to information obtained, Jared Isaacman, Trump’s choice for NASA head, intervened at the last minute to keep NASA from suffering the same severe cuts that other agencies have.

There were rumors in February that NASA was about to fire about 1,000 probationary staff members.