**NASA Is Now a Spy Agency, Thanks to Trump’s Executive Order**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 18, 2025, 06:23 PM*

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**What’s the Story?**

Late last month, the Trump administration quietly issued an executive order redesignating NASA as a national intelligence and security agency. This pivotal change means NASA’s main functions will now officially include “intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work.”

The update was first reported by Keith Cowing, founder of NASA Watch and a former NASA scientist. This marks a significant departure for the agency, which has spent the past 67 years primarily focused on space exploration and scientific research.

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**Employee Unrest: Protests Erupt Over Status Change**

The decision to shift NASA’s status has not been met without resistance. Employees have raised concerns, particularly regarding the inclusion of NASA under the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute (FSLMRS). This inclusion effectively excludes employees from collective bargaining rights, which many view as an attack on labor protections.

In response, protests have been organized, including a notable demonstration outside NASA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., earlier this week.

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**Budget Impact: Proposed Cuts and the Space Race with China**

Alongside the executive order, the Trump administration has proposed nearly a 25% cut to NASA’s 2026 budget. Funding would fall from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion, with the bulk of the reductions affecting NASA’s science programs.

Despite these cuts, acting NASA chief Sean Duffy has emphasized the administration’s goal of beating China to the Moon and Mars, signaling a focus on competitive space exploration amid rising geopolitical tensions.

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**NASA’s Uncertain Future**

These developments come at a turbulent time for NASA. The White House has threatened to slash the agency’s science budget by up to 50% in the next fiscal year, risking delays or cancellations of dozens of major space missions.

While some lawmakers have suggested revising the proposed budget to ease the impact, NASA faces a critical crossroads as it adapts to the administration’s new direction.

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*Stay tuned for updates on NASA’s evolving role and the broader implications for space exploration and national security.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/nasa-designated-as-national-security-agency-in-trump-executive-order/story