From CNBC: 2025-03-27 15:53:00

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to cut 10,000 full-time employees, shrinking the department to 62,000 workers. The job cuts are in addition to those who left since Trump’s presidency. The restructuring aims to realign the organization with core missions and priorities, saving $1.8 billion annually.

HHS is cutting staff from divisions handling insurance, drug approval, and disease outbreaks. The reorganization includes combining 28 divisions into 15 new ones, centralizing core functions. Kennedy is emphasizing priorities like reversing the chronic disease epidemic and maintaining essential health services despite the restructuring.

Senator Wyden expressed concern over the layoffs’ impact on families, while experts warn of potential delays in services due to staff reductions and centralization efforts. The move to consolidate divisions may not yield the expected efficiency gains, given the diverse needs of agencies. Kennedy’s agenda includes addressing chronic diseases and reshaping health policy.

Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, aims to address corporate corruption at federal health agencies. He plans to review the childhood vaccination schedule and make changes to advisory committees. His platform focuses on promoting nutritious food to combat chronic diseases. Critics express concerns over potential impacts on immunization rates and public health decisions.



Read more at CNBC: RFK Jr. plans 10,000 HHS job cuts