At the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, employees are reportedly working in a climate of fear and secrecy, avoiding Zoom meetings and openly discussing policies and budgets only in soundproof offices. This atmosphere has emerged after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took office and initiated mass firings of over 10,000 experienced staff from health agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH. Many in these agencies feel that longstanding scientific norms have been undermined, with critical health research programs shuttered and bureaucracy increased.
Kennedy’s controversial reforms, perceived as necessary by some, have led to the dismantling of vital programs, impacting public health initiatives intended to prevent diseases. His recent decision to fire the entire advisory committee on immunization practices has raised alarms among health experts, who warn about potential negative consequences on vaccine availability and overall health policy.
Staff members describe a chaotic work environment with inadequate resources, leading to desperate measures like scavenging for office supplies. Furthermore, concerns are growing over the erosion of oversight in food safety due to staffing cuts and budget constraints at the FDA. Insiders question who is truly in charge of U.S. health policy, suggesting that other officials may wield more power than Kennedy.
Overall, many employees express a profound sense of anxiety and disillusionment, fearing that the ongoing disruptions will have lasting detrimental effects on public health both domestically and globally.
