CDC workers walk out, join former employees in protest calling on RFK Jr. to resign

Current and former employees of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are calling for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy to resign, citing concerns that proposed funding cuts and job reductions will hinder the agency's ability to respond to future health outbreaks. The CDC has long been a trusted source of unbiased health information for Americans. Dozens of current employees protested the cuts, joining over 100 people rallying in support of the department. Former CDC employee Sarah Boim described the experience as "horrible" and warned that the cuts will affect everyone in America. Eric Mintz, another former CDC employee, emphasized that the cuts will remove resources needed to protect people from illnesses. The Health and Human Services Department announced in March that about 2,400 positions would be eliminated from the CDC, citing cost-cutting measures. Kennedy also removed all 17 members from the expert panel that makes vaccine policy recommendations to the CDC, citing the need to "prioritize the restoration of public trust." The Trump administration's fiscal year 2026 budget recommends cutting $3.59 billion from the CDC, which has sparked widespread concern among medical professionals. Infectious diseases doctor Anna Yousaf called Kennedy a "domestic health threat" who has dismantled programs ranging from lead poisoning prevention to maternal and infant health monitoring.