Federal Health Agencies Lay Off Approximately 750 Employees

The Trump administration has implemented significant layoffs across major health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Approximately 750 CDC employees received termination notices, with leadership indicating that up to 1,300 could potentially be affected, leaving remaining staff anxious about future cuts. The layoffs particularly impacted roles essential for public health, such as scientists assisting with disease outbreaks and safety personnel for medical devices. At the NIH, between 1,000 and 1,200 probationary employees were also informed of their termination, with the total number being lower than initially projected. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of these job cuts on public health initiatives and the agencies' ability to respond effectively to health crises. Current employees express uncertainty and fear about the ongoing restructuring within these vital health organizations.