The Trump administration has announced a major restructuring of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), cutting 10,000 jobs to save $1.8 billion per year. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed that the department’s workforce will be downsized from 82,000 to 62,000 employees, consolidating 28 divisions into 15 to improve efficiency and focus on public health priorities like clean water, safe food, and reducing chronic diseases.
HHS Announces 10,000 Job Cuts – Major Overhaul Begins
In a significant cost-cutting move, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a Reduction in Force (RIF) notice, informing union leaders that 8,000 to 10,000 employees will be affected, with layoffs set to take effect by May 27.
- According to an official HHS press release, the restructuring aims to:
- Save $1.8 billion annually by reducing workforce redundancy
- Improve operational efficiency without compromising essential services
- Streamline HHS divisions from 28 to 15, creating a new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA)
- Refocus priorities on clean water, safe food, and reducing environmental toxins
Departments Affected by the Job Cuts
HHS has outlined specific workforce reductions:
- FDA – 3,500 employees cut (excluding drug, medical device, and food safety inspectors)
- CDC – 2,400 employees affected
- NIH – 1,200 employees cut due to centralizing HR, procurement & communications
- CMS – 300 employees affected
The restructuring also reduces regional offices from 10 to 5, streamlining operations further.
A New Focus: Public Health & Chronic Disease Prevention
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized that this restructuring is not just about downsizing, but about realigning HHS with its core mission. The department will now prioritize public health initiatives, such as:
- Providing clean, wholesome food
- Ensuring safe drinking water
- Eliminating environmental toxins
- Reducing America’s chronic disease epidemic
Despite these major changes, HHS confirmed that essential healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid will remain intact.
“This department will do more – a lot more – at a lower cost to the taxpayer,” said Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
What’s Next for HHS?
The HHS restructuring plan represents one of the largest government overhauls in recent history. While some critics worry about job losses, the administration maintains that this reform will enhance efficiency while cutting unnecessary expenses.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
