What's happened
Since October, the Trump administration has carried out mass layoffs at the CDC, targeting critical public health staff during a government shutdown. Despite rescinding some notices, about 600 employees remain terminated, raising legal and ethical concerns over the process and its impact on public health response capabilities.
What's behind the headline?
The ongoing CDC layoffs highlight a strategic use of government shutdowns to justify workforce reductions, despite legal prohibitions. The targeted cuts, especially in critical health response units, threaten to weaken the agency’s capacity to manage outbreaks and public health emergencies. The administration’s framing of these layoffs as necessary due to the shutdown masks a broader agenda of reducing federal health infrastructure. The legal challenges suggest these actions may be overturned, but the damage to morale and operational readiness is already evident. This approach risks long-term public health vulnerabilities and sets a concerning precedent for politicized staffing decisions during crises.
What the papers say
Beth Mole of Ars Technica reports that the CDC has lost about 33% of its workforce since January 2025, with some layoffs reversed due to 'coding errors.' She notes that the targeted cuts include vital disease response teams and scientific units, and that unions are challenging the legality of these layoffs, citing federal law. The Independent highlights that the administration's use of the shutdown to justify mass firings is unprecedented and potentially unlawful, with officials framing the layoffs as a political tool. Both sources emphasize the broader context of ongoing federal workforce reductions and the legal disputes surrounding these actions, illustrating a pattern of politicized staffing during a period of government dysfunction.
How we got here
The Trump administration initiated large-scale reductions in federal health workforce starting earlier in 2025, including the CDC, amid broader government shutdowns over funding disputes. These actions have been framed by officials as responses to the shutdown, but unions and legal experts argue they violate federal law, which prohibits layoffs during funding lapses. The CDC has suffered significant staff losses, impacting its ability to respond to health crises, with some layoffs affecting key disease response teams and scientific staff.
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Common question
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How Is the US Federal Workforce Affected by the Government Shutdown?
The ongoing US government shutdown has significant implications for federal agencies, including the CDC and other public health institutions. Many federal workers face layoffs, and the impact extends to public health policies and services. Below, we explore the key questions about how the shutdown affects federal employees, public health, and government operations.
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