The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is preparing to terminate the majority of its approximately 5,200 probationary employees, as communicated in a recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) meeting. An audio recording from this meeting revealed that while most probationary staff would be let go, those with specialized skills may be exempt from these layoffs. Terminations were expected to be communicated through emails sent Friday afternoon.
This decision impacts nearly 1,300 probationary employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which constitutes about 10% of the agency’s overall workforce. The CDC’s leadership was informed of this directive during a meeting on Friday morning with HHS officials. An individual present at the meeting shared the news under the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to disclose details.
Reports indicate that certain affected employees would be eligible for four weeks of paid administrative leave. However, HHS officials did not provide detailed information regarding the layoffs when approached for clarification. Andrew Nixon, the department’s communications director, stated in an email that HHS is adhering to the Administration’s instructions and is taking steps to optimize the federal government’s efficiency and effectiveness for the American public.
HHS oversees a workforce of over 80,000 across 13 agencies, which include the CDC, NIH, and the Food and Drug Administration. This department plays a pivotal role in managing health services for nearly 50% of the U.S. population through programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Its employees encompass scientists, researchers, doctors, and various officials responsible for vaccine research, disease investigation, and food regulation.
The CDC operates with a core budget of $9.2 billion and is tasked with safeguarding Americans from health threats and disease outbreaks. Prior to these layoffs, the CDC employed around 13,000 individuals, with more than 2,000 staff stationed internationally. Historically recognized as a leading institution in global disease control, the CDC is known for its expertise, with a significant portion of its workforce holding advanced degrees in relevant fields.
Among those affected by the layoffs are first-year officers within the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), which has been integral in recruiting young professionals to combat health crises since its establishment in 1951. The layoffs impact around 50 first-year officers, who constitute nearly half of the current EIS workforce. These officers are often deployed to investigate outbreaks and health-related emergencies directly.
It’s important to note that the probationary status is applicable not only to newer employees but also to long-time staffers who may have recently transitioned into management roles. Dr. Joshua Barocas, an expert in infectious diseases at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, commented on the situation, emphasizing that many probationary employees occupy crucial positions essential for public safety.
Barocas remarked that the notion of disregarding their roles simply due to their short tenure poses a risk to understanding and managing disease outbreaks adequately. He described the approach as a potential “slash-and-burn” tactic that could disrupt vital public health work. Meanwhile, these layoffs contribute to a larger strategy initiated by President Donald Trump and advisor Elon Musk to downsize federal workforce numbers across various departments, coinciding with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent appointment as head of HHS.
In a prior interview with Fox News, Kennedy responded to questions about potential staff cuts at HHS, expressing surprise at the notion of a 50% reduction in staffing. He reassured those in scientific roles that as long as they have a commitment to sound public health policies, they need not worry — suggesting instead that those linked to the pharmaceutical industry might need to reconsider their positions.
