In a major move, the Trump administration has begun firing staff at two of America’s most important health agencies—the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These job cuts are part of a larger plan to reduce 10,000 positions at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), raising alarm among health experts and agency workers.
The plan, backed by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, is meant to shrink government operations, but critics worry it could harm public health and safety.
Mass Layoffs Begin at Key Health Agencies
According to sources close to the matter, staff were let go on Tuesday from both the CDC and the FDA. The mass layoffs come as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to cut down federal workers and “streamline” the health system.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supported the move, calling it necessary to fix what he described as an “overgrown bureaucracy.” However, many experts and insiders fear the cuts could leave the U.S. unprepared for future health emergencies.
Top Leaders Resign or Are Fired
Two major resignations or firings have already made headlines. Brian King, head of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, was fired. He informed his team via email, according to Reuters.
Peter Stein, director of the Office of New Drugs in the FDA’s drug approval division, resigned on the same day. These exits are part of a growing list of top leaders leaving the FDA, including those overseeing food, vaccines, tobacco, and medical devices.
FDA Staff Caught Off Guard
An FDA employee said that people were asked to show their ID badges at the entrance, and those who were fired were handed a ticket and asked to leave immediately. Many workers reportedly didn’t see it coming and were left stunned.
Those still working say that with fewer staff, it’s becoming harder to review and approve drugs and products on time. Delays in such important areas could have serious impacts on public safety.
CDC Also Hit by Layoffs
At the CDC, job cuts have affected people working in several crucial departments. These include the National Center for Environmental Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, and the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD).
One person who was working on the government’s response to measles outbreaks was also among those fired. These dismissals come at a time when disease outbreaks and mental health crises are becoming more common.
No Immediate Comments from HHS
Officials at the Department of Health and Human Services have not yet commented on the situation. It remains unclear how the department plans to manage public health duties with fewer people.