A significant delay in the Department of Health and Human Services’ plan to lay off more than 10,000 employees has sparked controversy. The delay comes amidst growing concerns over Brad Smith’s handling of the process within the DOGE department at HHS, according to sources who spoke to POLITICO on the condition of anonymity.
Controversy and Tensions
The core issue revolves around Smith’s secretive tactics and his alleged efforts to shield a specific HHS agency from the layoffs. This has triggered internal discord within DOGE and raised transparency questions surrounding this major workforce restructuring.
Critics claim that Smith, a former head of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation during the Trump administration, is working to protect the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, where CMMI is housed, from the brunt of the job cuts. This has led to unusual internal dissent within DOGE.
Secrecy and Confusion
Smith and his associate, Rachel Riley, have been criticized for their lack of transparency. Riley, in particular, has faced scrutiny for controlling access to crucial information regarding the layoffs, causing bottlenecks and confusion among staff responsible for executing the layoffs.
The backlash intensified when news reports started informing department heads and senior leadership about the expected layoffs, prompting a temporary halt in the RIF (reduction in force) rollout by HHS Chief of Staff Heather Flick.
Collaborative Restructuring
An HHS spokesperson clarified that the delay was to ensure thorough verification of data and that the restructuring process has been a collaborative effort between DOGE and HHS teams. Each division crafted a plan to reduce personnel to 90% of the FY 2019 levels, with no exceptions.
Despite the delay, the revised timeline for the firings is yet to be announced, but efforts are underway to resume the process promptly.
Future Uncertainty
While CMS canceled a scheduled all-staff meeting abruptly, other HHS employees received hints of imminent RIF notices. The situation remains fluid, with timing subject to change.
David Lim contributed to this report.
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