Federal workers not let go said the layoffs included meteorologists who do crucial local forecasts across the country.

Hundreds of weather forecasters and other employees with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have been let go. The layoffs include meteorologists who do forecasts in National Weather Service offices across the United States.

In a trove of statements released late Thursday, federal employees said that the mass layoff was discussed in meetings they attended this month.

The Justice Department fought the effort to put staffers involved in the controversial cost-slashing effort under oath.

President Donald Trump's executive orders and actions by his administration have already spurred more than 85 lawsuits.

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday ordered federal agencies to undertake more large-scale layoffs of workers, while the president let downsizing czar Elon Musk take a star role at his first cabinet meeting and discuss his ambitious budget-cutting targets.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order giving Elon Musk and DOGE more power. The order will require agency heads to track contracts and payments. It will also freeze credit card payments from government employees for 30 days.