Mass Layoffs Hit Federal Health Agencies as Administration Overhauls Government Workforce

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to dismiss up to 5,200 probationary employees as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to restructure and streamline the federal government. This unprecedented move affects multiple health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

CDC and NIH Bear Brunt of Cuts

According to reports, approximately 1,300 of the affected workers are employed by the CDC. The layoffs also impact a significant number of NIH employees. Among those dismissed are members of the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service, a group of highly trained health professionals who sign up for a two-year program to serve the country.

Tom Frieden, M.D., former CDC director under President Obama, expressed his concerns on social media platform X, stating, "They're top doctors, veterinarians and other health professionals. Not only is terminating them bad for the country, it's also a disgraceful violation of a commitment."

Administration's Justification and Implementation

An HHS spokesperson provided a statement to Fierce Healthcare, explaining, "HHS is following the administration's guidance and taking action to support the President's broader efforts to restructure and streamline the federal government. This is to ensure that HHS better serves the American people at the highest and most efficient standard."

The move aligns with promises made by President Trump, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leader Elon Musk to drastically reduce the federal health agency workforce. The administration is targeting probationary workers early in the process due to the relative ease of termination without violating civil service protections.

A recent executive order, signed on February 11, provides further details on the workforce reduction strategy. It mandates that federal agencies hire no more than one employee for every four that depart and requires the development of "data-driven" plans with DOGE team leads to ensure unnecessary positions remain vacant.

Concerns and Legal Challenges

The mass layoffs have raised concerns among healthcare advocates and industry leaders. Margaret Murray, CEO of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), warned of potential consequences for public health programs: "Staffing cuts of the level described in the President's executive order will bring about a cascade of consequences for Medicare, Medicaid and other publicly-supported coverage programs—placing at risk the people who rely on those programs for coverage, including children, families, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities."

The firings are likely to trigger lawsuits from affected employees. Already, a coalition of state attorneys general has sued Elon Musk for his role at DOGE and within federal agencies, alleging he wields "virtually unchecked authority" through access to sensitive records at various departments. Another lawsuit by anonymous USAID employees describes Musk's "slash-and-burn" strategy to identify personnel for termination and contracts for freezing before overhauling entire departments.

As the situation continues to develop, the full impact of these layoffs on the functioning of crucial health agencies and the delivery of public health services remains to be seen.