At the CDC’s Building 21 in Atlanta, employees are experiencing a climate of fear and paranoia, fearing surveillance from the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) and dealing with the aftermath of mass firings initiated by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Since his appointment in February, over 10,000 staff members have been laid off, leading to chaos within the organization. Longstanding research programs have been canceled as the administration redefines health initiatives perceived as “woke.”
Kennedy’s leadership aims to “make America healthy again,” yet many insiders believe these changes are detrimental. They report a lack of resources, with staff scavenging for basic supplies. The administration has significantly disrupted vaccine policies, firing long-time advisory committee members responsible for immunization guidance, raising concerns about the politicization of vaccine safety.
Kennedy’s recent initiatives, such as a $500 million program to develop older vaccine technologies, have stirred skepticism about their efficacy. Critics inside the NIH describe the move as a misguided fixation on discredited vaccine theories. Programs targeting chronic diseases have been slashed, with no clear replacements or plans for future efforts.
Meanwhile, the FDA’s ability to ensure food safety is jeopardized, as mass firings have left crucial roles unfilled, leading to potential lapses in oversight. As uncertainty grows about who is truly in charge of public health—Kennedy or other Trump appointees—staff members express disillusionment with the direction of the administration, fostering a culture of anxiety among those who remain employed.
