Regardless of the exact number, concerns quickly arose over the firings. A source told the outlet that Congress was “freaking out because it appears DOE didn’t really realize NNSA oversees the nuclear stockpile.”

“The nuclear deterrent is the backbone of American security and stability—period. For there to be any even very small holes poked even in the maintenance of that deterrent should be extremely frightening to people,” the source added.

Realizing their mistake, officials are now working to reverse some of the terminations. An email obtained by NBC News revealed that they are struggling to reach the affected employees.

Addressed to NNSA staff, the email reportedly stated: “The termination letters for some NNSA probationary employees are being rescinded, but we do not have a good way to get in touch with those personnel. Please work with your supervisors to send this information (once you get it) to people’s personal contact emails.”

One NNSA nuclear safety specialist who was fired on Thursday told NBC News that she was still locked out of her work email but had been contacted by her manager, who informed her that her termination had been “rescinded.”

While she has agreed to return, she made it clear that she won’t be staying long, stating she’ll be leaving “as soon as I find another role.”