HHS Restructuring Cuts 10,000 Jobs During Measles Crisis

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces sweeping changes to the Department of Health and Human Services, reducing its workforce and consolidating departments, as a measles outbreak raises public health concerns.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will cut 10,000 jobs, reducing its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 employees, with further reductions planned.
The restructuring will consolidate HHS departments from 28 to 15 and close half of its regional offices, aiming to save $1.8 billion annually.
The changes are part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to reduce the federal workforce, which have faced legal challenges and criticism.
Health professionals have raised concerns about the impact on epidemic response and drug approval processes, particularly during a measles outbreak that has infected over 380 people and caused two deaths.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defends the plan as a shift toward combating chronic diseases and reducing inefficiencies, despite criticism of his vaccine skepticism and leadership approach.