In a sweeping move reflecting workforce downsizing, the Trump administration has initiated mass layoffs across federal health agencies, primarily impacting probationary employees. Nearly 1,300 CDC workers and a significant number from NIH are among the casualties, as the administration reportedly aims to cut over 5,000 positions in total within the Health and Human Services (HHS) department. Significant backlash has emerged from lawmakers, with Senate Democrats criticizing the indiscriminate nature of the firings, warning that the cuts could jeopardize critical public health safety and the functionality of programs like the Epidemic Intelligence Service. Health advocates express concern that these cuts will undermine efforts to ensure food safety and public health, leaving the country more vulnerable to disease outbreaks.