The Trump administration followed through on its warnings Friday, issuing mass layoffs to thousands of federal employees on day 10 of the government shutdown. Among those affected were critical staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including teams responsible for responding to infectious disease outbreaks, sources told ABC News.
Key Public Health Departments Affected
Roughly 130 employees in the director’s office of the National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases were terminated, including much of its leadership. These staff members oversaw divisions that handle bacterial and viral diseases, influenza, coronaviruses, vaccination programs, and public health communications.
Ongoing Health Threats
The layoffs come as the U.S. faces multiple health challenges. Measles outbreaks have surged to their highest levels since 1992, last year’s flu season was among the deadliest in decades, and whooping cough cases remain near record highs for a second year.
Broader Federal Firings
More than 4,000 federal workers across seven agencies received layoff notices this week. President Trump confirmed the shutdown firings would be “Democrat-oriented,” while lawmakers like Sen. Susan Collins voiced strong opposition. The administration has defended the moves as necessary to keep essential services running.
The Department of Health and Human Services and the White House did not immediately comment on the CDC layoffs.
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