Washington, D.C. – Thousands of federal employees at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) were abruptly laid off this week as part of a sweeping workforce reduction, with cuts impacting critical agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The layoffs mark the first phase of a broader plan to eliminate roughly 10,000 jobs within HHS, shrinking the department’s workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 employees. Key offices dedicated to aging populations, disabilities, HIV prevention, and minority health initiatives have also been shuttered.
Employees arriving at work were required to present their badges, and those terminated were immediately escorted out. The cuts follow a broader federal downsizing effort that has already led to over 100,000 government job losses in recent months, with tens of thousands more expected in the coming weeks.
Public Health Experts Warn of Dangerous Consequences
Medical professionals and advocacy groups have sounded the alarm, arguing that the cuts will severely weaken the nation’s ability to respond to infectious diseases and other health threats.
“We cannot effectively protect Americans from public health crises amid this level of disruption,” said Dr. Tina Tan, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Dr. Colleen Kelley, chair of the HIV Medicine Association, highlighted the elimination of the CDC’s HIV prevention division, which played a key role in treatment guidelines and resource allocation. “These reckless cuts will harm Americans rather than protect them,” she said.
Terminated Workers Protest; Lawmaker’s Comments Draw Backlash
Among those laid off was a former HHS employee who joined a small group of protesters outside the Capitol. In a recorded exchange, the worker confronted Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), stating, “I was fired without cause. People with disabilities are losing vital services. What are you doing to stop this?”
Banks responded, “You probably deserved it,” later adding, “Because you seem like a clown.”
The former employee, who asked not to be named, called the senator’s remarks “disgraceful,” adding, “Constituents rely on these programs. Leaders shouldn’t mock those fighting for them.”
As the layoffs continue, critics warn that the loss of federal health services will have devastating effects on vulnerable populations. The administration has yet to comment on the ongoing cuts.
