RFK Jr. says 20% of health agency layoffs could be mistakes

Summary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged that up to 20% of the 10,000 layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services may have been mistakes and will require reinstatements.

The cuts, part of a DOGE-led restructuring with Elon Musk, eliminated key programs, including the CDC’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch, stalling public health responses.

FDA officials confirmed some staff have already been asked to return temporarily, including teams handling drug and food inspections.