In the early 1980s, real estate mogul Donald Trump attempted to evict tenants from a rent-controlled building in New York City to make way for a new luxury skyscraper. The tenants fought back successfully, thwarting Trump’s plans. Fast forward to today, and as President, Trump seems to be having better luck influencing the operations at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS).
Located in a building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, GISS has been a pivotal hub for scientific research impacting the world for over fifty years. NASA began its tenure in this building in 1966, renting from Columbia University. However, under the Trump administration’s directive, NASA informed GISS last month that it must vacate the premises by the end of May. This sudden move has resulted in over 100 staff members leaving, abandoning the once bustling offices now cluttered with boxes and packing materials.
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Although GISS might be recognized indirectly by many for its building’s cameo in the popular sitcom “Seinfeld” as “Monk’s Café,” its contributions to Earth science and climate research are profound. Since the 1980s, GISS has played a critical role in heightening public awareness about human-caused climate change and has been pivotal in advancing weather prediction and various space missions. This valuable work is now under threat due to the administration’s push for ostensibly enhanced governmental efficiency. Ironically, this move to oust GISS is likely to incur more taxpayer expense instead of less.
A Federal Mandate to “Institutionally Couch Surf”
While GISS has not been disbanded, the absence of a physical headquarters and a looming White House proposal to cut NASA’s science budget by 50% for the fiscal year 2026 casts a shadow of uncertainty over its future. Many GISS employees are now working remotely, scrambling to find office space elsewhere in the city.
A senior GISS researcher described their new reality as being forced to “institutionally couch surf.” In April, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Director Makenzie Lystrup emailed staff about the eviction as part of a White House initiative to reassess government leases. Insiders suggest that the eviction was specifically initiated by an employee from the newly established U.S. DOGE Service, led until recently by Elon Musk. This move reportedly stemmed from a fear among NASA administrators of job loss.
The decision to vacate the building was abruptly communicated to GISS staff, with shifting deadlines adding to the confusion. This abruptness, coupled with the continued financial obligation on the lease through 2031—which is reportedly half of the going rate for similar commercial spaces in New York—suggests no real cost-saving from this move as the General Services Administration (GSA) will continue paying rent.
Columbia University, which has long partnered with NASA at GISS, expressed continued commitment to this partnership and the scientific endeavors it supports.
The sudden eviction has left GISS personnel reeling, with significant concerns about the logistics of moving large amounts of scientific and historical material. Some of this is reportedly being stored in New Jersey. Meanwhile, the unnecessary renovation expenses and the dismantling of newly updated facilities like conference rooms and security systems underscore the waste this move represents.
An Institutional “Diaspora”
GISS is globally recognized for its work in climate modeling with GISTEMP and other datasets crucial for understanding planetary climates, including Earth. Its work has been integral to missions throughout the solar system and significant scientific discoveries. The institute’s strategic location in New York City, chosen for its proximity to academic and industrial resources, has been a key factor in its success.
The scattering of GISS, coupled with other disruptions such as frozen grants and proposed budget cuts to critical scientific agencies, is seen as a significant regression not just for climate science, but for essential services like weather forecasting and environmental assessments.
Despite the upheaval, GISS’s work continues to be recognized as crucial. While NASA searches for a new location for GISS, the agency acknowledges the importance of the institute’s research. However, the morale among GISS scientists is low, with many concerned about the future of their work and the broader implications for global scientific progress and safety.
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Cameron Aldridge combines a scientific mind with a knack for storytelling. Passionate about discoveries and breakthroughs, Cameron unravels complex scientific advancements in a way that’s both informative and entertaining.