Kennedy’s ‘MAHA’ Cuts: 10,000 Health Jobs Slashed Across Federal Agencies
Thousands of federal employees at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are facing job losses as part of a sweeping workforce reduction ordered by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This move marks a dramatic downsizing of the nation’s public health apparatus, including pivotal offices responsible for HIV prevention and minority health.The decision to cut 10,000 full-time positions follows previous layoffs, reducing the total HHS workforce from 82,000 to 62,000, according to HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon. The scale and scope of the cuts signal Kennedy’s intention to fundamentally reshape how the United States manages its public health services.The HHS oversees 13 critical agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These agencies have historically played central roles in disease prevention, vaccine oversight, and public health research.
Public Health Staff Brace for Impact as Offices Close
Federal workers within the agency described a tense and uncertain atmosphere as the notices began to go out. Many shared their experiences with NBC News under the condition of anonymity, citing fear of professional repercussions.One CDC official likened the atmosphere to the “Hunger Games”, saying, “It feels like we’re participating in the ‘Hunger Games’ reaping.” Another FDA employee revealed they were told to take their laptops home in anticipation of weekend layoffs.The impact of the reduction-in-force (RIF) notices is expected to be particularly harsh on the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention, which may be virtually eliminated, and on the Office of Minority Health under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).These offices are not only vital for tackling infectious diseases and health disparities, but they also represent the government’s commitment to serving vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ+ communities and people of color. The dismantling of these programs may lead to significant gaps in outreach, prevention, and treatment at both the federal and local levels.For many within HHS, the job cuts aren’t just numbers — they reflect a deep ideological shift within the agency, one that could have long-term consequences for public health infrastructure and preparedness.
Kennedy’s Vision for HHS: Restructuring or Dismantling?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was confirmed as HHS Secretary after a polarizing Senate hearing, had previously signaled his intent to overhaul public health policy. During his presidential campaign, Kennedy made repeated statements about downsizing the CDC and NIH, agencies he criticized for their roles in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.These job cuts now appear to be the first step in realizing that vision, supported in part by the Department of Government Efficiency, a project linked to Elon Musk and backed by former President Donald Trump. The department reportedly developed the blueprint now being used to carry out the mass layoffs and restructuring.Critics worry that Kennedy’s actions are politically motivated and not based on science or evidence-based health practices. Earlier this week, NBC News reported that the CDC is preparing to release vaccine safety data to a controversial researcher known for promoting vaccine-autism myths — claims widely discredited by the scientific community.In another development, the FDA canceled a scheduled meeting on flu vaccinations, while Kennedy has publicly downplayed the role of vaccines, even in the face of a measles outbreak in Texas.Observers argue that these decisions, when combined, suggest a deliberate strategy to weaken institutional support for immunization and disease prevention — potentially endangering public health, especially among children and the elderly.
A Chaotic Rollout Amid National Concern
Even before the layoffs were fully implemented, federal workers reported that the process was marked by confusion, fear, and disorganization. One CDC staffer said, “Our director said our center would be heavily impacted and the RIF notices are going out this afternoon into the weekend.”Employees say they are unsure whether their positions will exist in the coming days. “No matter what happens, this is going to be a bad day,” another CDC official said.Despite Kennedy’s claims of improving efficiency and focusing on “core priorities,” the restructuring has sparked widespread backlash among public health advocates, scientists, and even some lawmakers.Experts warn that the long-term effects of such sweeping layoffs could include:
Delays in disease outbreak detection
Reduced vaccination rates
Loss of trust in public health agencies
Increased disparities in health outcomes
Looking Ahead:
A Crossroads for Public Health
The nation now finds itself at a crossroads, as one of its largest federal departments undergoes what some are calling a “deconstruction” rather than a reorganization.While Kennedy and his allies portray the changes as a necessary step toward efficiency and decentralization, many inside and outside the agency fear that the U.S. is dismantling its health safety net at a time when global and domestic health threats are rising.Whether this approach will lead to a leaner, more focused agency — or a dangerously underprepared one — remains to be seen.
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