Despite recent reports of cuts within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the agency still maintains a stable workforce. According to a senior Trump administration official, there have been 6,000 departures from HHS since Inauguration Day, but the agency currently employs nearly 6,000 more people than it did in 2019. Notably, there are increased staffing levels at key divisions such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Between fiscal year 2019 and 2024, HHS experienced a significant increase in hiring, resulting in 17% more full-time employees by 2024. The official also highlighted that a substantial portion of new jobs created in 2024 were within the government sector.
Following the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of HHS, President Donald Trump established the Make America Healthy Again Commission. This commission aims to investigate and address the root causes of America's health crisis, with a particular focus on childhood chronic diseases like autism.
While there were concerns about layoffs within HHS, the recent workforce changes did not impact essential personnel involved in emergency preparedness, research, healthcare provision, drug approval, or refugee resettlement. The administration clarified that the terminations primarily affected probationary employees rather than long-term staff.
Both Kennedy and Trump have emphasized their commitment to improving public health, with a specific focus on addressing autism among youths. The MAHA commission is set to conduct in-depth research on childhood chronic diseases and develop strategies to enhance the health of American children.
Since Kennedy's confirmation, state lawmakers have introduced legislation aligned with the goals of the MAHA movement, including measures to promote healthy eating in schools and amend vaccine regulations.
