Trump Administration Restructures HHS, Firing 9/11 Health Program Leader

Dr. John Howard's dismissal and staff cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program raise concerns about delayed care for 9/11 responders and survivors.

Dr. John Howard, the longtime administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program, was fired as part of a restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The Trump administration announced sweeping staff cuts, including hundreds of employees from NIOSH and the World Trade Center Health Program, to create a new entity, the Administration for a Healthy America.
Advocates and lawmakers warn that these cuts will delay critical certifications and treatments for 9/11 first responders and survivors suffering from cancers and respiratory illnesses.
The restructuring aims to save $1.8 billion annually by eliminating 10,000 full-time positions, but critics argue it undermines essential health services for vulnerable populations.
Advocacy groups and New York officials are demanding the reinstatement of Dr. Howard and a reversal of the staff reductions to safeguard uninterrupted care for 9/11 survivors.