HHS Overhaul: RFK Jr. Cuts 20,000 Jobs in Major Restructuring
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to reduce the HHS workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 employees, cutting approximately 20,000 jobs13.
The restructuring aims to save $1.8 billion annually for taxpayers13.
HHS will consolidate 28 divisions into 15, including the creation of a new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA)13.
Major agencies affected include:
FDA:
3,500 job cuts
CDC:
2,400 job cuts
NIH:
1,200 job cuts1
Kennedy cited inefficiency, bureaucratic sprawl, and a failure to improve American health as reasons for the overhaul13.
The restructuring aims to focus on combating the chronic disease epidemic and improving overall public health in the United States13.
Kennedy emphasized the need for streamlining operations, increasing accountability, and aligning the department with its core mission13.
The changes are part of a broader federal workforce reduction initiative under the Trump administration3.
Kennedy promised to maintain key services through Medicare, Medicaid, FDA, and CDC while improving their effectiveness and responsiveness3.
The restructuring plan has faced criticism and concern from the national and global health community1.
Sources:
1. https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2025-03-27/la-me-rfk-health-cuts