Trump Restores CDC Staff, Funding Amid Criticism

The Trump administration initially cut funding and staff for the World Trade Center Health Program, which supports 9/11 responders and survivors, but has since reversed these decisions, restoring essential research grants and re-hiring laid-off workers. John Feal, a 9/11 first responder advocate, has played a key role in promoting legislation like the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to aid those affected by the attacks. Critics argue that the administration's cuts to the CDC, including the initial reduction of staff and resources at the World Trade Center Health Program, endangered public health and delayed treatment certifications for new conditions among 9/11 responders. Additionally, the administration's plan to eliminate key CDC training programs, such as the Public Health Associate Program and Laboratory Leadership Service, threatens to weaken the nation's public health defenses.