HHS Initiates Major Workforce Reduction, Slashing 10,000 Jobs in Alignment with Trump Administration’s Government Downsizing Strategy

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) commenced widespread layoffs on Tuesday as part of an initiative to significantly reduce the federal workforce. This move aligns with the Trump administration’s broader strategy to decrease the size of government operations. The department plans to eliminate approximately 10,000 full-time positions this year, affecting various agencies under its umbrella.

Among the agencies impacted, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is expected to see substantial cuts. According to information provided to multiple leaders within the agency, around 873 staff members will be laid off. This reduction represents at least two-thirds of NIOSH’s workforce. The restructuring is being overseen by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as part of a broader “reduction in force” strategy.

The plan to downsize the department’s workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 employees is spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. The restructuring will affect several key agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health. These agencies play critical roles in public health and safety, often responding to outbreaks and workplace injuries.

NIOSH, in particular, is known for its role in investigating workplace-related incidents, such as the recent fungal outbreak at a Michigan paper mill in 2023. The planned layoffs have raised concerns about the agency’s capacity to respond to similar incidents in the future. As the restructuring progresses, the impact on public health services and the department’s overall efficiency remains to be seen.