Janet should conserve whatever shred of dignity and respect from her peers she still has left and resign (hey, maybe the DRP Is an option she should consider). It’s clear to everyone this is the leftover plan from Elon, who wanted to erode the agency into nothing but a money-distributor to SpaceX. Has anyone even bothered to ask what the plan is now that Trump and Elon have gone their separate ways? Clearly, our agency stands little chance of making Artemis a success with this kind of “leadership”, let alone a trip to Mars (and once again, this was an Elon want, parroted by Trump). We are coercing thousands of talented employees to leave for no reason at all. Fiscal responsibility? Give me a break. Even the Space Force is funded more than NASA at this point. Both parties are laughing at the concept of the debt ceiling. We aren’t shying away from our wallet when it comes to getting involved in international conflicts.
I am also repulsed by the comments made by her cronies. For one – how is any of this supported by previous trends? Even years with a slight reduction do not add up to what they’re moving forward with. Also – “that can still fund a lot of good science” – seriously? Incredibly insulting.
Don’t even get me started on the “well, the president is her boss! She has to follow orders!” For one – she does not. For two, Bridenstine negotiated with Trump numerous times on the best solution. Third – how recently has the Trump admin even weighed in on this post Elon/DOGE? Congress has given all of us reassurances that the skinny bill is dead on arrival, yet leadership spreads lies to indicate the exact opposite.
NASA has always struggled with poor leadership, but this really takes the cake. I hope she can live with the fact that NASA and aerospace as a whole would be way better off if she never got involved. I’m sorry if that sounds shocking to others, but it’s the truth.