RFK Jr. Hits NIH With More Layoffs, Plans to Bring Others Back

The National of Institutes of Health laid off another 200 employees as part of the health department’s large-scale reduction-in-force carried out last month, with plans to bring back a similar number of employees for other areas.

The agency on May 2 sent notices to “less than 250 employees” that they were affected by the US Department of Health and Human Services’ reduction-in-force implemented April 1, according to an HHS official.

The HHS official said the same number of employees will be brought back in critical areas.

The layoffs, as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce to size of federal workforce, targeted 1,200 employees at the NIH, which sought to centralize procurement, human resources, and communications across its 27 institutes and centers.

The May 2 notices targeted employees working in the emergency preparedness and risk compliance programs, according to source familiar with the notices that was granted anonymity to speak freely. Those programs ensured that organizations were prepared for unforeseen emergency situations.

“The savings from these reductions will help redirect resources toward critical programs and strengthen our ability to serve the American people effectively,” Andrew Nixon, an HHS spokesperson, said in a statement. “The goal is clear: reduce waste and maximize the impact of every taxpayer dollar.”

The second round of layoffs also culled NIH employees at the National Cancer Institute, who worked in communications and information services, CBS News reported.

An HHS spokesperson said that the May 2 action will have no negative impact on HHS functions or programs and the department’s work will continue without disruption.