In a sweeping move to overhaul the Health and Human Services (HHS) department, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed plans to reduce the workforce by 10,000 full-time positions across various divisions. This action aims to reshape federal health agencies while addressing ongoing public health challenges.

These impending job cuts are in addition to approximately 10,000 employees who have already departed HHS since the start of President Donald Trump’s administration, primarily through voluntary separations. Collectively, these changes will reduce the workforce from 82,000 to around 62,000, representing a significant 25% decline.

The HHS is a vast agency operating with a budget of $1.7 trillion. It plays a crucial role in the oversight of vaccines, medical products, public health initiatives, scientific research, and food and drug safety. HHS is responsible for administering health care coverage programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, that support millions of Americans, particularly vulnerable populations such as seniors and low-income individuals.

Specific departments targeted for large-scale cuts include:

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA): 3,500 employees, approximately 19% of staff
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 2,400 employees, about 18% of personnel
• National Institutes of Health (NIH): 1,200 employees, around 6% of workforce
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): 300 employees, roughly 4% of staff

Concurrently, HHS plans to eliminate five of its ten regional offices, although officials assure that essential health services will remain intact.

This major restructuring initiative comes at a challenging time, marked by one of the most severe measles outbreaks in decades and an increasing spread of bird flu affecting both wildlife and domestic poultry. HHS faces pressure to enhance its disease response capabilities amid these public health threats.

“We are not only streamlining operations but also aligning the organization with our core mission to combat the epidemic of chronic diseases,” Kennedy stated. He emphasized the effort to achieve enhanced efficiency at a lower cost to taxpayers, predicting annual savings of approximately $1.8 billion.

Critics have expressed concern over the potential impact of these cuts. Senator Ron Wyden highlighted that the layoffs could significantly affect American families, raising alarms about gaps in support for vulnerable populations. Health policy experts like Larry Levitt caution that reduced staffing levels may lead to longer wait times and diminished oversight in critical services.

Genevieve Kanter, an associate professor at the University of Southern California, pointed out that efficiency gains may be overstated. The diverse functions of HHS agencies necessitate tailored oversight, suggesting that the proposed consolidation might not yield the intended benefits.

Upon his confirmation, Kennedy pledged to reform the practices he views as “corporate corruption” within federal health agencies. He signaled intent to make substantial changes, including potential adjustments to childhood vaccination policies amidst declining vaccination rates.

As part of his broader initiative, referred to as “Make America Healthy Again,” Kennedy aims to prioritize nutritional health over pharmaceutical solutions and tackle the chronic disease epidemic affecting both children and adults.