Mass Layoffs Rock CDC as Trump Fires Federal Health Workers Amid Public Health Crisis

Mass layoffs have hit U.S. health agencies, including the CDC, with experienced employees losing their jobs despite strong performance records. Public health fellows stationed in state and local health departments were among those terminated, raising concerns about the impact on outbreak response efforts. Some workers were abruptly locked out of their systems without prior notice, leaving them unable to communicate with colleagues or access critical documents. Many received termination notices citing poor performance, contradicting their recent positive reviews.

Additionally, some long-term employees were unexpectedly classified as “probationary” and dismissed without clear justification. Affected workers are struggling to apply for unemployment and receive guidance on their benefits, as the chaotic process leaves them without essential paperwork. In response, about 2,000 federal employees have joined a class-action lawsuit challenging the terminations. The layoffs align with Trump administration executive orders aimed at restructuring federal agencies, sparking criticism that these cuts are more political than financial. Former employees describe the experience as disorienting and demoralizing, with some reporting anxiety and depression. Critics warn that the cuts will weaken the nation’s public health infrastructure at a time when it’s needed most.

Mass Layoffs Rock CDC as Trump Fires Federal Health Workers Amid Public Health Crisis

‘I Feel Betrayed’: Federal Health Workers Fired by Trump Speak Out on ‘Nightmare’ Layoffs

In recent days, protests have erupted outside U.S. health agency headquarters as mass layoffs disrupt the federal workforce. Among those affected are seasoned employees with strong performance records, leaving many confused and struggling to navigate the chaotic termination process.

At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the cuts have been particularly severe, impacting public health fellows stationed across state, local, and regional departments. Employees working on global health and outbreak response were also dismissed—just as a bird flu outbreak worsens and the CDC halts its seasonal flu vaccine campaign.

Mack Guthrie, formerly part of the CDC’s Public Health Associate Program, was among those laid off. His role involved STI prevention and education in Minneapolis public schools. According to Guthrie, these dismissals are a serious blow to the nation’s health infrastructure, as affected organizations often lack the funds to replace lost staff.

The layoffs have been marked by disorder, with some employees never receiving official termination letters. Others were abruptly locked out of work systems, leaving them unable to communicate with colleagues or access essential documents. Many of those affected had received positive performance reviews and were not in probationary roles.

For employees classified as probationary—typically those in a role for less than two years—the impact was especially severe. However, even longtime staff members were unexpectedly informed their positions were “probationary” and subsequently terminated. Appeals are being filed, but responses remain scarce.

Form letters issued to dismissed employees cited unsatisfactory performance and a lack of alignment with agency needs, contradicting the strong reviews many had received. In response, around 2,000 federal workers have joined a class-action lawsuit contesting the firings.

One long-term CDC employee, abruptly locked out of their system, shared the frustration of not receiving proper documentation to file for unemployment. Calls to human resources yielded little clarity, with staff advising them to check back later for guidance.

The layoffs coincide with executive orders issued by the Trump administration aimed at restructuring federal agencies. A department focused on “government efficiency,” known as Doge, has been linked to the dismissals—raising concerns that the cuts are driven more by ideology than financial necessity.

For many, working at the CDC was a lifelong goal, now abruptly shattered. Employees describe months of relentless work implementing new policies, only to be left without jobs. Some have reported anxiety and depression, urging former colleagues to check in on affected staff.

“This job was my identity,” said one dismissed worker. “I worked tirelessly to get here, only to watch it all vanish overnight.”