Major Budget Cuts and Layoffs Hit US Health Agencies: Impacts on CDC, NIH, and Public Health

The Trump administration has initiated significant budget cuts and layoffs across major US health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)1 3 7.

Approximately 5,200 employees are expected to be dismissed from various health agencies, with the CDC losing about 1,300 workers and the NIH facing 1,200 dismissals3 7.

The NIH budget is facing a proposed 15% cut, which experts warn could undermine America's leadership in medical research and weaken public health preparedness2.

The budget cuts are expected to impact ongoing research projects, clinical trials, infectious disease preparedness, and various public health programs2 3.

22 states have sued the NIH and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, calling the action "unlawful" and arguing it would devastate critical public health research3.

Specific programs affected include the CDC's Public Health Associate's Program and Laboratory Leadership Service, as well as scientists working on outbreak investigations7.

Experts warn that these cuts could lead to delays in certifying new health conditions, prolonged wait times for patients, and reduced capacity to respond to public health emergencies8.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the NIH from implementing steep cuts to medical research grant funding, pending further court arguments9.

The cuts are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to restructure and streamline the federal government, with guidance from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)1 8.

Critics argue that these cuts could have long-term negative impacts on public health, scientific progress, and America's ability to respond to future health crises2 3 7.