The Trump administration has implemented extensive layoffs and budget cuts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), prompting widespread outrage among public health officials and activists. The HHS was ordered to reduce contract spending by 35%, leading to significant program cuts, including essential initiatives aimed at smoking cessation and childhood lead exposure. Former CDC employees have expressed frustration over the mass layoffs, which disproportionately affected Black and marginalized staff, while former officials warn that these measures could jeopardize public health and safety in the U.S. Protests erupt outside CDC headquarters as thousands await layoff notices amidst an unprecedented upheaval within public health agencies.