Health Secretary Kennedy Plans Major Job Cuts Amid Restructuring Efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans on Thursday to cut 10,000 full-time positions across multiple departments as part of his strategy to reshape the nation’s federal health agencies.

The proposed job cuts come in addition to approximately 10,000 employees who have already left HHS since President Donald Trump took office, accepting voluntary separation offers. If implemented, these layoffs would result in a nearly 25% reduction in the department’s workforce, bringing the total number of HHS employees down to 62,000. HHS oversees a budget of $1.7 trillion and manages key public health programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, which serves millions of Americans.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, HHS will also close five of its ten regional offices, although officials assured that essential health services would remain intact.

Prior to his confirmation, Kennedy pledged to eradicate what he describes as “corporate corruption” in federal health agencies, committing to significant staff changes within the agency. He has been vocal about his intention to “clear out entire departments” at the Food and Drug Administration, asserting that employees hindering the approval of controversial treatments should “pack their bags.” 

Kennedy, known for his skepticism towards vaccines, is already taking steps that may influence immunization policies during a time when U.S. childhood vaccination rates are declining. He has stated plans to review the childhood vaccination schedule and is reportedly preparing to replace members of external committees that provide advisory opinions on vaccine approvals and critical public health initiatives.

His “Make America Healthy Again” platform includes aims to address what he calls a chronic disease epidemic affecting both children and adults, with a focus on nutritious food as a fundamental component of health, rather than an over-reliance on pharmaceuticals.

This story is developing. Check back for updates as this situation evolves.