"Chaos at the CDC: Mass Firings Spark Outcry and Confusion Amid Government Shutdown"

Mass Firings at CDC: A Closer Look at the Impact and Aftermath

Date: October 11, 2025
Location: Washington, D.C.

In a dramatic turn of events, the White House executed a mass termination of staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, significantly affecting key offices dedicated to injury prevention, respiratory disease surveillance, and chronic disease management. Sources familiar with the situation reported that the cuts have left the agency reeling, with many critical roles eliminated.

However, by Saturday evening, reports emerged that some of the termination notices might have been issued in error. An official from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), who spoke on the condition of anonymity, indicated that coding errors in job classifications may have led to some employees receiving reduction-in-force (RIF) notices mistakenly. The official confirmed that those involved in producing the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), as well as personnel addressing ongoing outbreaks of measles and Ebola, were among those expected to be reinstated.

Scope of the Cuts

The mass firings are part of a broader initiative by the White House to reduce the workforce at HHS by approximately 1,100 to 1,200 employees. While the exact number of CDC employees affected remains unclear, anecdotal evidence suggests that the agency has borne the brunt of these layoffs. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has publicly condemned the firings, announcing plans to file a lawsuit against the government in response to what they describe as unlawful terminations.

The firings were announced amid an ongoing government shutdown, which President Trump has attributed to congressional Democrats. In recent statements, Trump has emphasized that these layoffs are aimed at what he terms “Democrat programs,” a characterization that has drawn criticism from various quarters.

Reactions from CDC Officials

A high-ranking CDC official, who lost their position in the cuts, expressed deep concern over the implications of these layoffs. They described the terminations as a strategic dismantling of the agency, arguing that the executive branch is using the shutdown as a pretext for a targeted attack on public health infrastructure. “This is not merely a budgetary issue; it’s an abuse of power that threatens the health of the American public,” the official stated.

Reports indicate that the cuts have particularly affected leadership roles within multiple centers at the CDC, including the Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance and Technology, and the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. The terminations also included personnel from the Epidemic Intelligence Service, a critical program responsible for rapid outbreak response.

Emotional Toll on Employees

The emotional impact of the layoffs has been profound. One terminated employee lamented the loss of trust and continuity within the agency, stating, “It’s devastating to see the system we’ve built being dismantled under false pretenses.” Another employee, who was spared from termination, described witnessing the firings as “emotionally devastating” and a significant threat to public health.

The CDC has faced mounting challenges in recent months, including the ousting of its director, Susan Monarez, and a tragic shooting incident at its Atlanta headquarters. These events have compounded the stress and uncertainty faced by CDC staff, who are now grappling with the fallout from the latest round of layoffs.

Historical Context

This is not the first time the CDC has faced significant staffing reductions. Earlier this year, the agency experienced a loss of approximately 2,400 staff members, or 18% of its workforce, as part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to shrink the federal government. The cumulative effect of these cuts raises serious questions about the agency’s capacity to respond to public health crises effectively.

Looking Ahead

As the situation continues to evolve, the fired CDC official called on Congress to exercise its authority to rein in executive actions that threaten public health. They emphasized the importance of solidarity among federal scientists and staff, stating, “People have learned. They’re organizing, sharing information, building networks across centers and regions.”

The CDC’s future remains uncertain as it navigates these tumultuous changes. The agency’s ability to fulfill its mission of protecting public health may hinge on the reinstatement of key personnel and the restoration of trust within its ranks.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available regarding the status of the terminated employees and the ongoing implications for public health policy in the United States.