RFK Jr. Declares 20% of Job Cuts at Doge’s Health Agency Were Erroneous: What You Need to Know

Around 2,000 of the 10,000 job cuts at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) were admitted to be mistakes. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that some employees who were laid off actually played crucial roles and should have been retained. This announcement comes as part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to reduce federal workforce size.

The layoffs began recently, with union representatives being informed about potential cuts that could reduce the agency’s workforce from 82,000 by nearly a quarter. Kennedy, linked to a controversial initiative dubbed “Doge” for government efficiency led by Elon Musk, confirmed that while the goal was to cut jobs, some of those eliminated are set to be reinstated. He emphasized, “We discussed from the start that 20% of the cuts might need to be reversed.”

Notably, some essential programs were incorrectly targeted. For example, a vital program by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which tracks lead exposure in children, was among those affected. Kennedy mentioned, “That program is one being reinstated.”

Experts warn that these cuts could have serious public health implications. Robert Califf, a former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), described the layoffs as “a dark day for public health.” The FDA also saw cuts in areas dedicated to tobacco policy, raising concerns about how these changes could influence public health regulations.

This situation highlights a broader trend in the government workforce. According to a recent survey by the National Treasury Employees Union, about 66% of federal workers expressed concerns over job security and the impact of cuts on essential services. The reality of these layoffs may shake public confidence in health oversight at a time when health crises, like pandemics or exposure to toxins, are critical issues.

As we move forward, the reinstatement of these employees could provide some relief. Still, the uncertainty around which specific roles will return and how the department’s functions will be maintained remains concerning.

For more insights on this topic, check out this article from The Guardian, which discusses related government decisions and their implications.

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