The Trump administration has withdrawn layoff notices for some Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employees after over 1,000 staff were mistakenly notified of termination amid the ongoing government shutdown, according to multiple news reports.
What Happened
On Friday, more than 1,000 CDC employees received layoff notices, affecting teams working on infectious disease outbreaks, health data analysis, and employee safety. This action came as part of broader reductions in force (RIFs) announced by the Trump administration, which included over 4,100 employees across federal agencies, according to a Justice Department filing.
However, a federal health official clarified on Saturday that several of the notices were issued in error and would be rescinded. Among those accidentally notified were the federal government’s top two leaders on the measles response team.
Context and Controversy
Tensions surrounding the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have intensified in recent months. Controversy has arisen following the firing of a CDC director and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is known for his vaccine skepticism. These personnel changes have added to the strain on public health agencies during the shutdown.
The layoffs were initially triggered after the White House budget office announced RIFs following days of threats. OMB Director Russell Vought confirmed on the social platform X that, “The RIFs have begun.”
Public and Media Reaction
The accidental layoff notices have drawn attention from major news outlets, including The New York Times and the Washington Post. Reports highlight the potential disruption to critical public health operations, particularly in infectious disease response and safety oversight.
Union leaders and federal employees have expressed concern about the administration’s handling of the layoffs and the risk posed to public health operations.
Official Statements or What Happens Next
The CDC has begun reversing the erroneous layoff notices, ensuring that key personnel, especially those on infectious disease response teams, remain employed. Authorities are continuing to clarify which positions are affected by RIFs as the shutdown persists.
Federal employees impacted by layoffs are encouraged to contact their agency human resources office for guidance, while the public is monitoring the situation closely due to its implications for health and safety.
Closing Line
This story may be updated as additional details emerge about the CDC layoffs and the broader federal workforce reductions amid the ongoing government shutdown.
