At the CDC’s Building 21 in Atlanta, staff live in a climate of fear, wary of surveillance and sudden firings. Since Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as health secretary, over 10,000 experienced employees have been terminated, creating chaos and disrupting scientific norms. Many staff members are reverting to pencil and paper to record notes instead of using computers, as they avoid Zoom due to concerns about being recorded.
Kennedy’s direction has led to controversial changes, including the dismissal of the advisory committee on immunization practices, which had long guided vaccine approvals. Critics warn that these actions could jeopardize public health by politicizing vaccines and dismantling essential health programs. The closure of longstanding initiatives, such as lead-poisoning prevention efforts, has further exacerbated concerns about the impact on chronic disease prevention.
While Kennedy’s supporters claim these reforms are necessary to improve efficiency, insiders report that bureaucratic hurdles have increased and resources are lacking. Many current employees feel disillusioned and anxious about the future, fearing the consequences of these changes will lead to worsened public health outcomes.
