Thousands of federal workers, including CDC, FDA, and NIH staff, laid off in sweeping cuts
Thousands of federal workers, including CDC, FDA, and NIH staff, laid off in sweeping cuts
In a major shakeup within the US federal workforce, thousands of federal employees, including those at critical health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and National Institutes of Health (NIH), have been laid off as part of a sweeping round of job cuts. This move, which started on February 25, 2025, follows new orders from the Trump administration to streamline government operations and reduce the number of probationary employees who lack civil service protections.
The layoffs primarily target workers who have been employed for less than one or two years, including temporary, seasonal, and probationary staff. While many of these employees held essential roles in public health and safety, reports suggest that their terminations will go forward in an effort to cut federal spending. With more than 16,000 federal workers already impacted, the cuts are poised to affect a broad range of government functions and departments.
Federal health agencies hit hardest
Among the hardest-hit sectors are public health agencies that were on the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic response and other health-related crises. The CDC, which had already faced criticism for its handling of the pandemic, saw the loss of 1,300 employees—around 10% of its workforce. Similarly, the NIH and FDA faced significant reductions, with many staff members, including critical nurses and reviewers, losing their jobs. The FDA’s cuts were partially reversed after some employees were deemed essential for ongoing product reviews, but the layoffs continue to reverberate throughout the health sector.
Impact across multiple government departments
The cuts extend well beyond health agencies, affecting numerous other federal departments and services. According to reports, the IRS is laying off 6,700 probationary employees, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is shedding 5,200 workers. The US Forest Service also faces significant layoffs, with 3,400 workers being let go, equating to 10% of its staff. Other affected departments include the Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Notably, the Department of Agriculture is also carrying out layoffs, including additional staff at the Forest Service.
A breakdown of some key reported layoffs is as follows
Wider implications and concerns
While many of the layoffs are affecting workers in probationary roles, concerns are rising over the impact these cuts will have on critical services. The loss of personnel at the CDC, FDA, and NIH, which play pivotal roles in public health and safety, could undermine the nation’s ability to respond to future crises. Similarly, cuts to the US Forest Service, which includes staff responsible for wildfire mitigation, raise concerns about the federal government’s readiness to address increasingly frequent and devastating wildfires across the country.
As the federal workforce shrinks, the administration is facing mounting backlash from employees and unions, with many warning that the cuts could have lasting consequences for public services. Despite the opposition, the layoff process is continuing, leaving thousands of workers uncertain about their future.
