The CDC quickly altered its Covid vaccine guidance for healthy children and pregnant women by bypassing the normal public review process. The move, which was later partially rolled back following criticism over transparency, has raised concerns about political influence and diminished democratic processes within public health policy.

On April 1, 2025, the CDC laid off approximately 2,400 employees amid a sweeping departmental reorganization aligned with executive directives. The layoffs have destabilized public health research capabilities, disrupted critical services, and raised concerns over the erosion of workers’ rights, particularly affecting marginalized communities relying on CDC programs.

In April 2025, the CDC announced mass layoffs at its Atlanta headquarters, with about 2,400 employees being terminated amid a broader federal downsizing effort initiated by the Trump administration. The move, which has drawn protests from workers and criticism from lawmakers, is seen as part of an effort to cut costs at the expense of public health and labor rights.

The CDC, under pressure from the Trump administration, enacted layoffs affecting approximately 10% of its workforce, primarily targeting probationary employees despite many having strong performance records. This move has sparked protests from workers and activists, who argue that the cuts undermine public health efforts and violate fair labor practices.

The CDC is set to lose approximately $1.3 billion in supplemental funding due to federal debt ceiling negotiations, adversely affecting state and local programs including disease intervention specialist grants and vaccine reporting systems. This reduction threatens the integrity of public health services crucial for marginalized communities.

Reports indicate that political appointees in the Trump administration attempted to revise, delay, and block CDC publications, including COVID-19 studies and guidance. Emails and internal communications revealed that figures like Michael Caputo and his adviser Paul Alexander exerted undue influence over the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, leading to revisions in guidance that were considered not scientifically justified. This event exposes how political pressure in Washington infiltrated public health communications, potentially undermining the agency's mandate to provide reliable scientific information.

A proposal introduced by a Health and Human Services representative at CDC would eliminate nearly 80% of the existing union contract, undermining the rights of over 2,000 CDC workers and threatening public health. AFGE Local 2883 has strongly opposed the proposal and called on CDC to negotiate in good faith.