HHS Initiates Layoffs Following Supreme Court Decision

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has begun implementing a significant reduction in force (RIF) after the Supreme Court lifted a district court order that had previously blocked the layoffs. This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing restructuring of the agency under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Supreme Court Ruling and Immediate Consequences

On July 8, 2025, the Supreme Court decided to lift a block on federal layoffs that had been imposed by a California district court on May 22. This decision paved the way for HHS to proceed with its workforce reduction plans. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, expressing concerns about the court's ability to fully evaluate the implications of the executive action without on-the-ground knowledge.

In response to the ruling, HHS sent termination notices to affected employees on July 14, 2025. The agency email stated, "Given the Supreme Court's ruling, HHS is now permitted to move forward with a portion of its RIF. Accordingly, you are hereby notified that you are officially separated from HHS at the close of business on July 14, 2025."

Scope and Impact of the Layoffs

While the exact number of employees affected by the July 14 terminations remains undisclosed, the restructuring plan announced on March 27 initially aimed to reduce the agency's workforce by 10,000 employees. However, Secretary Kennedy later revised this figure, claiming that 20% of the 10,000 RIF notices were sent in error.

The layoffs have not affected all notified employees uniformly. Those covered by a temporary restraining order in the case of New York v. Kennedy, issued on July 1, have been exempted from the current round of terminations. This group primarily includes staff from the CDC, the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, the HHS's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and the Administration for Children and Families' Office of Head Start.

Ongoing Legal Challenges and Political Reactions

The implementation of the RIF continues to face legal challenges. The case of New York v. Kennedy, brought by attorneys general from 19 states, remains active and could potentially impact the ongoing restructuring efforts.

Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Co., the ranking member of the Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee, has expressed strong opposition to the layoffs. In a July 15 statement, she argued that the Supreme Court's decision "sets a dangerous precedent" and criticized the administration for moving forward before fully addressing legal questions surrounding the president's authority to unilaterally dismantle agencies.

DeGette further stated, "The only winners from these layoffs are China and measles. Donald Trump and RFK Jr. are creating a void in global leadership while abandoning the health challenges of our time."

As the situation continues to evolve, the full impact of these layoffs on the operations of HHS and its ability to address public health challenges remains to be seen.