Jacobs — an atmospheric scientist with a background in computer forecasting — led the agency on an acting basis during Trump’s first term. He was the chief in the chair during the so-called “Sharpiegate” weather scandal in 2019, when Trump drew with a Sharpie on a Hurricane Dorian track to suggest it would hit Alabama, contradicting the official federal forecast.

At the time, Jacobs and other top NOAA officials were ordered by the White House to double down on Trump’s false claim, which they ultimately did. A subsequent investigation into the incident found Jacobs had violated NOAA’s code of ethics.

I am surprised at this small number of staff....

There are 12 people who work in the National Hurricane Center’s specialist forecasting unit

Life-saving weather warnings are on the line as Trump and DOGE target America’s forecasting agency