Survey Finds 99% of 605 CDC Workers Say Trump Cuts Weakened Emergency Response
Updated
Updated · The Conversation · Jun 10
Survey Finds 99% of 605 CDC Workers Say Trump Cuts Weakened Emergency Response
3 articles · Updated · The Conversation · Jun 10
Summary
604 of 605 surveyed CDC workers said Trump administration changes reduced the agency’s ability to respond to public health emergencies, according to findings presented in June and based on responses gathered from February to April.
More than a quarter of the CDC’s federal workforce has been lost since January 2025 through firings, resignations, retirements and contract cuts, leaving staff overstretched; 85% of current workers reported burnout.
Leadership gaps have compounded the strain: nearly a year after CDC Director Susan Monarez was fired, the agency still lacks a director, principal deputy director, chief of staff and chief medical officer.
The survey linked the erosion to current outbreaks and routine public health work, with respondents citing weaker Ebola and measles response capacity and only 2% saying chronic disease and injury units remain fully operational.
The findings suggest damage beyond Atlanta, because about 80% of the CDC’s domestic budget supports state, tribal, territorial and local health programs that are already facing federal funding cuts.
With its expert workforce gone and key programs cut, can the CDC still defend America from major health threats?
As measles cases surge and Ebola spreads abroad, who is now steering America's public health response?
CDC in Crisis: Leadership Turmoil, Workforce Losses, and Political Interference Threaten U.S. Public Health
Overview
The CDC is facing a deep crisis, marked by major leadership instability and political interference. Over the past year, the agency has seen frequent changes at the top, including the dismissal of acting director Susan Monarez after clashes with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about vaccine policy. Secretary Kennedy’s efforts to rewrite childhood vaccine recommendations led to further turmoil, with some changes later blocked by a federal judge. This ongoing leadership churn and political pressure have made it difficult for the CDC to maintain its core public health mission, contributing to a period of uncertainty and weakened effectiveness.