At the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, staff members now operate under a culture of fear and secrecy following mass firings and leadership changes initiated by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Since his appointment in February, over 10,000 experienced employees have been dismissed, creating turmoil in the organization. Workers avoid video meetings, hold sensitive discussions in soundproof offices, and even scavenge supplies from fired colleagues’ desks, reflective of a pervasive sense of being monitored.
Kennedy’s administration has disrupted longstanding scientific norms and canceled research programs deemed “woke.” Critics within the CDC, NIH, and FDA describe chaotic conditions that undermine public health, including closures of essential programs and a lack of resources. For instance, the closure of the childhood lead-poisoning prevention program and the Prevention Research Centres has concerned many experts, who warn such actions could have detrimental effects on public health.
Kennedy’s controversial moves, particularly in vaccine policy, include firing all members of the advisory committee on immunization practices, prompting fears that vaccines are becoming politicized. Insiders worry that the added bureaucracy for funding approvals is counterproductive, further complicating operations.
Despite Kennedy’s stated goals to enhance health initiatives and improve fiscal efficiency, many within the agencies feel disillusioned and consider the administration’s actions anti-science. Current employees express anxiety over the lack of direction and the impact on future health policies, fearing real consequences for Americans.
