Mass Layoffs at HHS: Trump Administration Cuts Thousands of Probationary Workers

Up to 5,200 probationary employees across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are being dismissed1 2 3.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is losing approximately 1,300 employees, about 10% of its workforce1 2.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is facing cuts of around 1,200 to 1,500 employees1 3.

Other affected agencies include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)1 7.

The layoffs are part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the federal workforce, led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force headed by Elon Musk3 6.

Probationary employees, who are easier to fire without violating civil service protections, are the primary targets of these cuts6 8.

The dismissals began on February 14, 2025, with affected employees receiving termination letters over the weekend1 8.

Experts warn that these cuts could have significant impacts on public health, medical research, and the efficiency of federal health programs1 4.

Some specialized positions may be spared from the layoffs, but the full extent of the cuts is still unclear2 8.

The layoffs have sparked controversy and concern among federal workers, lawmakers, and public health advocates4 6.