The cuts at the foundation, which supports cutting-edge research, came as the nation’s health and science agencies were reeling from other significant cuts.

The Trump administration has started firing hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration probationary employees who maintain critical air traffic control infrastructure, according to their union.

The federal agency that funds science research says the staff reduction came in response to a White House directive.

Firings at the NSF included permanent employees who had already completed their one-year probationary period, as well as at-will workers.