HHS Layoffs: Seniors and Disabled Lose Support as Trump Administration Cuts LIHEAP Funding
In a sudden move that has left many reeling, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced massive layoffs affecting staff involved in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The layoffs, part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to cut federal spending, were executed abruptly, with many employees discovering their termination when their ID badges ceased to function.
The impact of these layoffs extends beyond the workforce, directly affecting the most vulnerable populations—seniors and the disabled—who rely on LIHEAP for assistance with heating and cooling their homes. Critics argue that the decision not only jeopardizes the livelihoods of HHS employees but also undermines the support system for millions of Americans in need.
Reports indicate that the layoffs were carried out without prior notification to the affected employees, a move described by some as 'humiliating and degrading.' The sudden cessation of LIHEAP services could lead to increased hardship for low-income families struggling to manage their utility bills during extreme weather conditions.
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What federal health workers are being laid off?
The White House said last week that it planned to cut 3,500 full-time employees at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and 2,400 workers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The administration has said it is cutting 1,200 employees from the National Institutes of Health, as well.
How many people work at HHS?
In total, and including roughly 10,000 people who have left over the last few months through early retirement or deferred resignation programs, the overall staff at HHS will fall from 82,000 to around 62,000 -- or about a fourth of its workforce. 'This is a difficult moment for all of us at HHS.
Who are federal health workers?
Within the federal government, the medical field encompasses nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists, dental officers, veterinarians and many other public health occupations.
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