At the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, a climate of fear prevails among employees following mass firings and significant changes initiated by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Over 10,000 experienced staff have lost their jobs, leading to a chaotic work environment where critical discussions are avoided and resources are scarce. Staff have reported increased monitoring and a pervasive sense of dysfunction, with assertions that longstanding scientific norms are being disrupted under Kennedy and the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).
Kennedy’s vision to overhaul public health has sparked controversy, particularly regarding vaccine policies. The dismissal of the entire advisory committee on immunisation practices, perceived politicization of vaccines, and cancellation of crucial research programs have raised alarms about public health implications. Current and former employees fear that essential health initiatives, such as chronic disease prevention and lead poisoning programs, are being dismantled without justification, which could lead to increased health risks for Americans.
Despite Kennedy’s claims that reforms will streamline and improve the system, many staff members see these actions as counterproductive and damaging to public health infrastructure. There’s confusion about who is truly in charge of health policy, with speculation about other Trump appointees exerting influence. Employees describe a lack of transparency and an atmosphere of anxiety, leading some to distance themselves from an administration they view as “anti-science.”
