The CDC is bringing back about 180 employees who were laid off two weeks ago. Emails went out on March 4 to some of the agency’s probationary workers who had received termination notices last month, according to current and former CDC staff.
One email had the subject line, “Read this e-mail immediately.” It told employees that “after further review,” the termination notice from February 15 had been reversed, and they were cleared to return to work. It also said, “You should return to duty under your previous work schedule” and apologized for any disruption caused.
Two federal health officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed that around 180 people received these reinstatement emails. However, it’s unclear how many of them actually returned to work, and there’s no word yet on whether these employees will be safe from the broader job cuts expected across government agencies soon.
The CDC is just the latest federal agency to bring back workers who were part of a cost-cutting push under President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. Other agencies, like those handling medical device oversight, food safety, bird flu response, nuclear weapons, and national parks, have made similar reversals.
The CDC, based in Atlanta, plays a key role in protecting public health in the U.S., particularly in responding to outbreaks. Before the job cuts, it had about 13,000 employees. Last month, officials from the Trump administration said nearly 1,300 probationary workers at the CDC would be let go. But that number quickly dropped to around 700 to 750 after further review.
With 180 employees being reinstated, it seems that about 550 CDC staff members have been terminated so far, though federal officials haven’t confirmed the exact number.
Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia welcomed the reinstatements but argued it wasn’t enough. “Today’s announcement is a welcome relief,” he said, “but until all fired CDC employees are restored, our country’s public health and national security will continue to be at risk.”
