At the CDC’s headquarters in Atlanta, employees are working under a tense atmosphere following the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. Over 10,000 staff members have been dismissed, leading to fears of constant scrutiny and a disruption of established scientific norms. Meetings are avoided, notes are taken in notebooks instead of computers, and many staff feel as if they are operating in a surveillance state.
Kennedy’s administration has initiated sweeping changes, claiming to address inefficiencies but resulting in the cancellation of various research programs deemed “woke.” Insiders report chaos in health priorities, including controversial firings from vaccine advisory committees and delayed funding processes that hinder essential health oversight. Initiatives aimed at chronic disease prevention, like the childhood lead-poisoning program, were abruptly closed, raising concerns about public health risks.
While Kennedy’s supporters argue for necessary reforms, former staff describe a dismantling of vital health infrastructure. Increased bureaucratic layers for funding and internal functioning further contribute to frustrations. Many current employees express anxiety about the lack of clear direction and fear for the future of public health policies, indicating a major transformation that could have detrimental effects.
