8 sources·Health

HHS Plans Major Cuts Amid Controversy Over FDA Reorganization

The Department of Health and Human Services is set to cut 20,000 jobs, a decision met with severe criticism from health officials and lawmakers.

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  1. Health Department to cut 10,000 employees

    The reduction will save taxpayers about $1.8 billion a year, the department said.

    Health Department to cut 10,000 employees

    World News GroupWorld News Group·23d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  2. HHS to cut a fourth of its workforce

    A reorganization of HHS offices will eliminate roughly 10,000 positions.

    HHS to cut a fourth of its workforce

    The HillThe Hill·23d
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    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  3. “This will be a painful period”: RFK Jr. slashes 24% of US health dept.

    While Kennedy touted the streamlining and cost savings, the scientific and health communities continue to reel from devastating funding cuts from the Trump administration.

    “This will be a painful period”: RFK Jr. slashes 24% of US health dept.

    ARS TechnicaARS Technica·24d
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    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  4. RFK Jr.’s massive cuts stun staff, leave senior employees scrambling

    But other moves seem like they were decided by consultants who took a “look at things on paper with no history or background.”

    RFK Jr.’s massive cuts stun staff, leave senior employees scrambling

    PoliticoPolitico·24d
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    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  6. Health and Human Services will lay off 10,000 workers and close agencies in a major restructuring

    Overall, the department will downsize to 62,000 positions — losing 10,000 jobs through layoffs and another 10,000 workers who took early retirement and voluntary separation offers encouraged by President Donald Trump’s administration.

    Health and Human Services will lay off 10,000 workers and close agencies in a major restructuring

    Associated PressAssociated Press·24d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  7. HHS plans to shutter or downsize several health agencies, including at CDC

    The cuts, part of the White House’s “reduction in force” plan, were expected to effectively shutter or downsize multiple departments at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health agencies, potentially jeopardizing public health efforts.

    HHS plans to shutter or downsize several health agencies, including at CDC

    NBC NewsNBC News·24d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  1. World News Group
  2. The Hill
  3. ARS Technica
  4. Politico
  5. New York Post
  6. Associated Press
  7. NBC News
Updated: Mar 27th, 2025, 10:36 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it will reduce its workforce by 20,000 positions by the end of May, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This reduction, aimed at increasing efficiency and saving $1.8 billion annually, affects administrative roles across key agencies including the FDA, CDC, and NIH. Concerns about public health operations have been raised, with critics dubbing the cuts a 'catastrophe for healthcare.' Insiders express fears about FDA-approved drugs' safety post-restructuring, while Democratic lawmakers warn that these layoffs could derail responses to public health challenges.

Perspectives

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  • Secretary Kennedy's plan intends to streamline HHS and eliminate inefficiencies by reducing the workforce and consolidating divisions.

  • The restructuring is aimed at saving taxpayers money and improving the efficiency of health services provided by HHS.

  • Despite anticipated savings, there are concerns about potential negative impacts on public health services and the overall effectiveness of regulatory agencies.

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