The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been facing a challenging period since the Trump administration took office in 2025, with workforce uncertainty, mass firings, communication freezes, and political interference in its scientific mission. As a public health researcher with personal experience at the CDC, I conducted an anonymous survey of over 600 CDC workers to understand the impact of these changes. The results are concerning, to say the least.
The CDC's mission to protect and improve the health of Americans is at risk due to a shrinking and overworked staff. The agency's ability to respond to public health emergencies, such as the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, is being compromised. The lack of strong leadership and the revolving door of directors have further exacerbated the situation. The survey revealed that over 99% of CDC employees believe the administration's changes have reduced the agency's capacity to respond to emergencies.
The CDC's specialized public health workforce, tasked with responding to the nation's most critical health problems, is being decimated. Since 2025, the agency has lost over a quarter of its federal employee workforce, with over 1,000 employees fired and hundreds on administrative leave. This has led to burnout among current employees, with 85% reporting it. The survey also found that 1 in 5 current employees have decided to leave, further straining the agency's resources.
The cuts to the CDC have had a ripple effect on the country's public health infrastructure. Health departments are now grappling with sudden cuts to federal funding, which has impacted health data collection and promotion activities. The CDC's chronic disease and injury prevention programs, which focus on preventing the leading causes of death in America, have been quietly shuttered. This is despite the administration's claims of prioritizing chronic disease prevention.
In my opinion, the CDC's struggles are a stark reminder of the importance of strong leadership and stable funding in public health. The agency's ability to protect and improve the health of Americans is at a critical juncture. The survey results and personal experiences of CDC employees highlight the urgent need for change. The CDC must be given the resources and support it needs to fulfill its mission, or the consequences for public health could be dire.
