Trump’s HHS Layoffs Impact Bird Flu Response and Vulnerable Groups
In a significant development, President Donald Trump's administration has initiated layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), affecting staff responsible for the bird flu response, among other crucial roles. The move, which came to light on April 1, 2025, has been criticized as an 'attack on American working people,' with federal workers protesting the cuts in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The layoffs were discovered in a particularly humiliating manner, as employees found their ID badges no longer worked, leaving them unable to enter their workplaces. This approach has drawn sharp criticism from unions and workers' rights advocates, who argue it is degrading to the workforce.
The impact of these layoffs extends beyond the immediate job losses. Vulnerable groups, including seniors and disabled individuals, are expected to feel the brunt of reduced services. Programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) are among those affected, potentially leaving many without essential support.
The decision to cut jobs at HHS has sparked a broader debate about the administration's approach to public health and workforce management, raising concerns about the future of public health initiatives in the United States.
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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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