Scoop: NIST prepares to cut AI Safety Institute, CHIPS staff
Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios
All National Institute of Standards and Technology probationary employees are bracing to be fired imminently, sources familiar with the matter told Axios.
Why it matters: The Trump administration's cuts across the federal government are gutting agencies tasked with testing leading-edge AI technology and boosting domestic semiconductor development and manufacturing.
- The cuts come at a time when the U.S. is looking to lead in AI development and stave off competition from China.
Driving the news: These cuts mean that the U.S. AI Safety Institute, which has been working on ensuring emerging AI models are trustworthy, is gutted, along with most staff working at NIST's Chips for America program.
NIST is preparing to cut 497 people, according to sources familiar, which includes:
- 74 postdocs
- 57% of CHIPS staff focused on incentives
- 67% of CHIPS staff focused on R&D
Context: NIST is facing an uncertain future. AISI lost its leader earlier this month and its staff were left out of the AI summit in Paris last week.
- President Trump has also not yet announced a nominee to head up NIST.
What we're watching: With Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick now officially at the helm, we're expecting more sweeping changes to the department's various agencies.
