At the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, employees adopt low-profile tactics to cope with an atmosphere of surveillance and instability following the mass firing of over 10,000 experienced staff under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. His administration’s drastic restructuring has disrupted established scientific norms, canceled vital research programs perceived as “woke,” and added bureaucratic obstacles, undermining efficiency claims.
Sources describe a climate of fear among remaining staff, who are wary of conversations being monitored and struggle with resource shortages, resorting to scavenging for office supplies. Kennedy’s controversial overhaul includes dismantling vaccine advisory committees under claims of conflict of interest and reigniting debates around public health priorities, with former experts warning of the chaotic impacts on vaccine availability and chronic disease prevention.
Kennedy’s agenda, which purports to enhance public health through reform, is viewed by insiders as leading to dysfunction that threatens overall healthcare integrity. Amidst these upheavals, questions are raised regarding the overarching influence of other Trump appointees on health policy, as staff express deep concern about the future of public health in America.
