CDC Employees Among 4,000 Federal Workers Laid Off During Government Shutdown
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has triggered a massive wave of federal layoffs, with over 4,000 employees across multiple agencies losing their jobs — including more than 1,000 workers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The move has sparked widespread concern about the nation’s public health capacity amid growing threats of disease outbreaks and health emergencies.
Major Federal Layoffs Hit Key Agencies
The layoffs affect at least seven federal departments, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Treasury, Education, and Commerce. According to official filings, 1,100 to 1,200 employees at HHS — the CDC’s parent agency — were notified of their termination as part of a reduction in force (RIF).
At the CDC, the cuts hit critical divisions such as:
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Immunization and respiratory disease programs
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Global health operations and epidemic surveillance
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The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) team
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Epidemic Intelligence Service (“disease detectives”)
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Forecasting and public health preparedness units
Some layoffs were later rescinded due to what officials described as “administrative coding errors,” but the overall scale of the cuts remains unprecedented for the agency.
“These layoffs are devastating — not just for our workforce, but for America’s health security,” said one senior CDC scientist who requested anonymity. “Disease doesn’t wait for political budgets to get sorted out.”
Public Health at Risk
Experts warn that the layoffs could cripple vital CDC operations, including outbreak detection, vaccination monitoring, and emergency response. With fewer staff in key roles, the U.S. could face slower reactions to infectious diseases, from seasonal flu to potential biothreats.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has criticized the move, calling it “a reckless political decision” that puts millions of lives at risk. Health advocates also note that CDC’s global disease surveillance programs — which track outbreaks in real time — could be disrupted for months.
“Cutting CDC staff in the middle of a funding crisis is like shutting off the fire alarm during a blaze,” said Dr. Amanda Keller, a public health policy expert.
Political Fallout and Legal Challenges
The layoffs come amid escalating tensions between the White House and Congress, as both sides struggle to reach a deal to end the funding impasse. The Trump administration has defended the move, saying it’s a necessary step to “streamline federal operations” during the shutdown.
However, several lawmakers have questioned the legality of such terminations, arguing that the Antideficiency Act prohibits large-scale reductions in force during funding lapses. Federal employee unions are reportedly preparing to file lawsuits challenging the layoffs.
Meanwhile, the Treasury Department confirmed that over 1,400 workers have been let go, while smaller cuts were reported at the Departments of Energy, Education, and Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The Human Cost
For thousands of federal workers, the layoffs have been devastating. Many have already missed multiple paychecks, while others are now without benefits or healthcare coverage. CDC employees have expressed frustration and disbelief, with some describing the layoffs as “a betrayal of public service.”
Across Atlanta — where CDC headquarters are located — dozens of employees gathered outside the facility holding signs that read “Protect Public Health, Not Politics.”
As the government shutdown enters its fifth week, pressure mounts on Congress and the White House to reach a resolution. Until then, experts warn that the fallout from the layoffs could reverberate far beyond Washington — threatening America’s preparedness for the next public health crisis.
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