Elon Musk, the head of the “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge), is redirecting his focus towards American health agencies as part of his initiative to reduce federal expenditures. Experts caution that this shift may result in the emergence of new diseases.
On February 14, thousands of employees were dismissed from federal health agencies following President Donald Trump’s announcement to terminate all probationary staff.
Concurrently, Doge has either gained or sought access to sensitive federal health payment information.
Experts raise alarms
Experts have expressed concerns that the Trump administration’s actions could inflict considerable damage on the American healthcare system.
Scott Cory, the former chief information officer for a division within the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), was cited by _The Guardian_ stating, “The potential for doing harm is significant.”
Additionally, a representative from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that Trump’s actions have heightened the risk of a public health emergency.
“The likelihood of new outbreaks or public health crises is certain, especially in light of the troubling spread of bird flu, which continues to be hindered by a sluggish response,” the representative remarked.
The cessation of external communications, the implementation of extensive work-stop orders, and significant alterations within the federal workforce have severely constrained the capabilities of health agencies, ultimately benefiting only those who seek to exploit the misfortunes of others.
Health Agencies Impaired
On Friday, over 5,200 employees were terminated from various health agencies, with more than 1,200 dismissals occurring at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alone.
Among those let go were specialists in Epidemic Intelligence Services, often referred to as “disease detectives,” as reported by the Guardian, citing informed sources.
“I have never witnessed anything like this during my entire tenure in the federal government,” remarked a CDC employee.
The Trump administration, along with the Doge, appears to be far from finished. Reports indicate that additional senior health officials may face termination in the near future, and several contractors could also be at risk.
Disruption in Response to Bird Flu
As the bird flu outbreak escalates in the United States, federal health personnel are grappling with confusion and uncertainty.
Congressional briefings conducted by the CDC and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been suspended since the inauguration of Trump.
The administration’s contentious relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO) has further contributed to rising anxiety among some officials.
Since April, over 70 individuals in the US have contracted bird flu, with one reported fatality. On February 5, the USDA announced that dairy cattle had been infected with a second strain of bird flu, heightening concerns regarding its transmission.
