On April 1, 2023, the Trump administration initiated significant layoffs across key U.S. health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This move is part of a broader strategy to eliminate 10,000 positions within government health sectors, as revealed by multiple sources familiar with the developments and health officials.
The cuts extend beyond the CDC and FDA, affecting the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as well. This action is reportedly backed by President Donald Trump and his billionaire associate Elon Musk, aiming to streamline staffing levels within federal departments and agencies. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has characterized these layoffs as essential for reducing a perceived bureaucratic overload, asserting that the restructuring will lead to a more efficient response to public health needs.
Despite the administration's claims, these layoffs have raised alarms regarding the future of public health oversight in the United States. The departure of prominent scientists and officials from critical health agencies poses questions about the government’s capacity to manage health crises effectively and ensure safe regulatory practices. Notably, Peter Stein, the director of the Office of New Drugs at the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, resigned under pressure, while Brian King, head of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, was dismissed outright.
The exits of King and Stein are part of a broader trend of leadership turnover within the FDA, impacting divisions responsible for drugs, food, vaccines, medical devices, and tobacco products. Reports indicate that remaining staff are experiencing heightened stress and difficulty meeting deadlines due to the sudden loss of key personnel. An FDA employee described a chaotic scene at the agency's building entrance, where those terminated were escorted out with tickets instructing them on how to retrieve their personal belongings.
In addition to the FDA, the layoffs have also affected various divisions within the CDC. Employees from the National Center for Environmental Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases are among those who lost their jobs. One source indicated that layoffs included personnel directly involved in the federal response to ongoing measles outbreaks, heightening concerns about public health readiness.
Officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have yet to comment on these developments. The situation remains fluid, and the long-term implications of these significant staffing cuts on U.S. public health infrastructure are yet to be fully understood. As this story develops, it will be crucial for stakeholders and the public to monitor the changes within these vital health agencies.
Reporting by Leah Douglas and Marisa Taylor in Washington, with additional contributions from Dan Levine in San Francisco, Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago, Ted Hesson in Washington, and Patrick Wingrove and Michael Erman in New York. Editing by Caroline Humer, Frances Kerry, and Deepa Babington.
