U.S. Department of Energy headquarters in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
On Sunday, a spokesperson for the Department of Energy confirmed with Fox News Digital that fewer than 50 employees were actually dismissed from their positions.
"Less than 50 NNSA employees were dismissed. These staff members were probationary employees and held primarily administrative and clerical roles," the DOE spokesperson said. "The Energy Department will continue its critical mission of protecting our national security and nuclear deterrence in the development, modernization, and stewardship of America's atomic weapons enterprise, including the peaceful use of nuclear technology and nonproliferation."
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FIRES MORE THAN A DOZEN IMMIGRATION JUDGES
The P tunnel in Area 12 of the Nevada National Security Site (National Nuclear Security Administration)
An NNSA source told Reuters that managers were called on Thursday evening to inform employees they had been let go, though on Friday they received emails saying things had suddenly changed.
Democratic lawmakers have blasted the NNSA layoffs, calling them "shocking."
"Until such time as we are briefed on these developments, we will not know the damage to our country and the world as a result of these haphazard and thoughtless firings," Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, said in a release.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-administration-fires-nearly-50-nuclear-security-office-employees