HHS: Despite Allegations, Staffing Levels Remain Elevated Since 2019
Despite claims of mass layoffs, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) still employs more people than it did in 2019, according to exclusive information obtained by Fox News Digital.
A senior Trump administration official confirmed that, while 6,000 employees have left HHS since President Biden’s inauguration on January 20th, the agency still has approximately 6,000 more employees than it did in 2019.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have experienced significant staffing increases since 2019, with over 2,000 and 1,200 additional employees, respectively.
Hiring at HHS has surged since fiscal year 2019. By 2024, the number of full-time employees is projected to increase by 17%. Notably, 50% of the new jobs created in the U.S. in 2024 will be directly or indirectly related to government positions.
The Trump administration has faced criticism from Democrats over alleged cuts to essential offices within HHS. However, a senior administration official emphasized that every operating division within HHS has either a higher or comparable headcount to fiscal year 2019.
Despite claims of widespread layoffs, the recent staff reductions primarily affected probationary employees. These individuals are newcomers to the agency who are still undergoing assessment for long-term employment.
Essential personnel, such as those involved in emergency preparedness, health research, and healthcare provision, were not dismissed. The administration emphasized that the layoffs did not compromise the safety or health of Americans.
The debate over staffing levels at HHS has been fueled by the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has vowed to scrutinize the department’s operations, eliminate financial conflicts of interest, and improve the health of Americans.
The Trump administration has also created the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission to investigate the causes of chronic diseases. The commission will focus on childhood chronic conditions, including autism, which affects approximately one in 36 children.
Following Kennedy’s confirmation, state-level lawmakers have introduced bills to promote the goals of the MAHA movement. These measures aim to restrict junk food in schools and amend vaccine regulations.
Conclusion:
Despite claims of mass layoffs, HHS staffing levels remain higher than in 2019. The administration has emphasized that the recent reductions primarily affected probationary employees and did not compromise essential health services. The debate over HHS staffing is likely to continue as the department works to implement the priorities outlined by Secretary Kennedy and the MAHA Commission.
