CDC Plunged into Chaos as Layoffs Are Reversed, Raising fears of Political Interference
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention experienced a tumultuous weekend, marked by abrupt layoff notices followed by swift reversals, sparking widespread confusion and raising concerns about the agency’s future under the current governance. Hundreds of employees, some of whom had been furloughed as the October 1st federal government shutdown, were initially informed on Friday they were being terminated as part of broader federal agency cuts. Less than 24 hours later, many received a follow-up email rescinding the notice, offering no explanation or apology.
A Weekend of Uncertainty
Staff members spent the weekend in a state of anxiety, attempting to determine who had been affected and why.”There’s really no strategy that they’re using, no real approach-at least any thoughtful approach-to how they are doing these cuts,” a former director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases stated. The erratic nature of the layoffs and subsequent reversals fueled speculation about the motivations behind the decisions.
The initial cuts appeared particularly indiscriminate. almost all editors of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report-a publication the CDC has maintained since 1960-were initially notified their positions were “unnecessary or virtually identical to duties being performed elsewhere.”
Tracking the Firings
Alt CDC, a team of anonymous public-health officials tracking the firings. “I would think, if you are monitoring for conflicts of interest, particularly when you’ve accused the agency of having them, you would want to have an office to do that,” a former CDC chief medical officer commented.
Silencing the Science?
A veteran researcher, speaking anonymously out of fear of reprisal, expressed concern that Kennedy’s ultimate goal is to “silence the scientific voice of career CDC scientists.” The firings, the researcher believes, are consolidating Kennedy’s power over the agency. The entire Washington office of the CDC-a vital link between the agency’s Atlanta headquarters and Capitol Hill-was reportedly dismissed, and appears to be closed indefinitely.
An epidemiologist with a state health department, managing Alt CDC’s Bluesky feed, reported that personnel normally responsible for sharing outbreak information with state officials have also been eliminated. “So the only contact they have is going to HHS-is going to RFK,” the epidemiologist stated.
A History of Disruption
The recent turmoil follows a pattern of disruption at the CDC. one scientist with the agency described her brief layoff-receiving a notice on Friday only to have it rescinded on Saturday-as “the culmination of eight months of abuse,” referencing events dating back to the Trump administration. She specifically cited Kennedy’s decision in June to dismantle the vaccine advisory board and replace it with his allies.
The agency has also faced physical threats.In August, a gunman motivated by anti-vaccine sentiment opened fire on the CDC’s Atlanta campus, resulting in the death of a police officer. Following this incident, some employees reportedly considered purchasing bulletproof vests. Weeks later, Kennedy removed Susan Monarez, the agency’s newly confirmed director, prompting the resignations of three top CDC officials-Debra Houry, Daniel Jernigan, and Demetre Daskalakis-in protest.
Leadership’s Silence
Adding to the confusion, acting CDC director Jim O’Neill posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) on friday-hours before the layoff notices were sent-with a photo of a bald eagle and the caption: “Good morning we are going to win.” However,he has not offered any further explanation regarding the agency’s current state. Simultaneously, Kennedy used his X account to congratulate President Donald Trump on a new drug-pricing deal and defend controversial comments linking autism to the use of Tylenol after circumcision, remaining silent on the unfolding crisis at the CDC. As of this evening, he has yet to address the abrupt reversal of the layoffs.
The future of the CDC, and its ability to effectively protect public health, remains deeply uncertain.
