Kennedy Cuts 20,000 Health Jobs, Merges Agencies

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has initiated a significant restructuring of the department, resulting in the layoffs of 10,000 employees, including senior leaders across major health agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH. This move, part of a broader strategy to streamline operations, has drawn criticism from public health experts who warn it could jeopardize drug safety, emergency response, and essential health services. The cuts come alongside a federal reduction of more than $12 billion in grants, severely impacting vaccination efforts and public health initiatives in states like Washington, which now faces a $130-$140 million funding shortfall. Employees reported arriving at work to find their access deactivated, forcing many to clear out personal belongings under stressful conditions. Critics argue that the reorganization reflects a push to weaken the influence of career public health officials, potentially fracturing an already strained health system amid rising chronic illnesses and environmental health threats. Overall, the abrupt changes are emblematic of a political shift aimed at consolidating control over health operations at the federal level.