Lawsuit Alleges HHS Layoffs Based on Inaccurate Records, Challenging Kennedy Administration's Reorganization

In a significant development that underscores the ongoing turmoil within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), seven former employees have filed a class action lawsuit against Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other high-ranking officials. The suit, filed on Tuesday, claims that the recent mass layoffs at HHS were based on "hopelessly error-ridden" staff records, potentially violating the Privacy Act and casting a shadow over the administration's sweeping reorganization efforts.

Legal Challenge to HHS Restructuring

The lawsuit allezes that HHS leadership, including Secretary Kennedy, were aware of inaccuracies in the personnel data used to guide layoff decisions. This data was reportedly shared with other federal bodies such as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the Office of Personnel Management, and the Office of Management and Budget.

According to the complaint, "Instead of taking steps to verify the contents of the records and correct the systemic inaccuracies, the agencies promptly used them to fire 10,000 employees. That was unlawful and actionable under the Privacy Act."

The plaintiffs cite specific instances where reduction-in-force notices contained incorrect performance ratings and, in one case, demonstrated a lack of knowledge about an employee's work location. An HHS spokesperson's statement acknowledging data inaccuracies due to "multiple, siloed HR divisions" is being used to support the plaintiffs' claims.

Wider Implications and Ongoing Controversies

This legal action is the second attempt to halt Kennedy's reorganization of HHS, which aims to eliminate approximately 10,000 roles. Last month, a California court issued a preliminary injunction against the reorganization, effectively pausing the layoffs.

The lawsuit comes amid a backdrop of chaos and inconsistencies in the Trump administration's approach to government restructuring. Reports indicate that some FDA staff continue to receive pay and benefits while on administrative leave, awaiting final legal verdicts on their terminations.

Further complicating matters, recent investigations have raised questions about the credibility of the administration's health initiatives. The "Make America Healthy Again Report," a cornerstone of Trump's health policy, has been scrutinized for citing non-existent sources, with some publications suggesting it may have been generated using artificial intelligence.

As the pharmaceutical industry watches these developments closely, the outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the future of HHS and the broader landscape of healthcare policy in the United States.