CDC Protests Erupt as Employees Demand Resignation of Health Secretary

On June 10, 2025, current and former employees of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gathered outside the agency's Atlanta headquarters, demanding the resignation of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The protesters voiced concerns over significant staffing reductions and budget cuts, fearing these measures would undermine the CDC's ability to address public health threats.

The demonstration highlights growing unrest within the CDC following the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) announcement in March 2025 to eliminate approximately 2,400 positions at the agency, representing about 20% of its workforce. Compounding these concerns, President Trump's proposed fiscal year 2026 budget includes a $3.59 billion reduction for the CDC, nearly halving its budget. Critics argue that these cuts, along with recent policy changes under Secretary Kennedy, jeopardize the CDC's mission and the nation's public health infrastructure.

The protests involved both current and former CDC employees. Sarah Boim, representing "Fired But Fighting," a group of recently terminated CDC workers, emphasized ongoing weekly rallies in support of current staff. Anna Yousaf, a doctor specializing in infectious diseases at the CDC, labeled Secretary Kennedy a "domestic health threat" and criticized the dismantling of key public health programs.

On June 9, 2025, Secretary Kennedy dismissed all 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), citing the need to restore public trust and eliminate perceived conflicts of interest. Kennedy has also reversed recommendations on COVID-19 vaccinations for children and pregnant women, bypassing standard procedures.

In March 2025, HHS announced the formation of the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA), consolidating multiple public health agencies to improve efficiency and reduce redundancy. The reorganization plan includes a reduction of approximately 20,000 full-time employees across HHS, with the CDC and FDA each expected to reduce their workforce by about 20%.

Critics argue that these cuts and policy changes undermine the CDC's role as a trusted source of health information and weaken its capacity to respond to public health threats. Public health experts warn that the funding cuts could endanger lives by weakening disease research, prevention programs, and delaying treatments.

The protests at the CDC underscore a deepening rift between agency employees and the current administration's health policies. As budget cuts and policy shifts continue to unfold, the future effectiveness of the CDC in safeguarding public health remains a pressing concern.