Trump Administration Layoffs Impact Federal Health Agencies

The Trump administration has initiated substantial layoffs across federal health agencies, affecting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and others under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Approximately 5,200 employees are targeted, with around 1,300 from the CDC, impacting critical roles in public health and safety. The firings, focused on probationary employees, are part of a broader strategy to reduce federal workforce size and reform public health policies, including controversial actions such as the removal of public health datasets and the dismantling of established infrastructure. Key roles in the FDA, particularly those involved in food safety, medical device review, and veterinary medicine, are significantly affected. While layoffs have begun, the full extent and impact on public health services remain unclear, amid concerns about the ability to respond to infectious disease outbreaks and food safety regulation. These actions have sparked protests and concerns among health professionals about the long-term implications for U.S. public health systems.