In a sweeping reorganization, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to cut 10,000 staff members, a move confirmed by a Trump administration official to POLITICO on Thursday. This significant reduction, amounting to nearly 20% of the workforce, will impact all agencies under the umbrella of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Changes Across Federal Departments
As part of a broader initiative mandated by the White House, all federal departments were tasked with submitting downsizing plans, known as Reduction in Force (RIF), by March 13. HHS, in particular, has been actively pursuing workforce reductions, including the dismissal of hundreds of probationary employees across its agencies in February.
Notably, a federal judge intervened to reverse these dismissals, prompting a legal battle as the White House sought clarity from the Supreme Court on the legality of such actions. In addition to these measures, HHS has also been offering early retirement and resignation packages to certain employees, providing financial incentives to encourage voluntary exits.
Upcoming Termination Announcements
The latest wave of terminations, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, is expected to be formally announced on Thursday morning. These developments underscore the ongoing efforts within HHS to streamline operations and reallocate resources in alignment with the department’s priorities.
