On April 1, 2025, employees of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) experienced a day they would never forget. It was not a typical April Fool’s Day prank. Instead, it was a day of uncertainty and heartache as many discovered their jobs had been eliminated. The scene was set outside the HHS Mary E. Switzer Memorial Building in D. C. Workers lined up, hoping their badges would grant them access to their offices. For some, the light turned green, signaling they still had their jobs. For others, the red light meant their time at HHS had come to an end.

        The atmosphere was tense and emotional. One worker compared the experience to a grim game show, highlighting the dehumanizing process of finding out one’s job status. The worker, who had dedicated years to addressing mental health and substance use issues, felt humiliated as they were escorted out of the building. This was not an isolated incident. Many employees, ranging from those with just over a year of service to those with 14 years, faced the same fate. They chose to share their stories anonymously, fearing repercussions as they remained on administrative leave until June 2.

        The cuts were part of a broader reduction in force (RIF) effort by the administration. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the decision, stating that the agency’s current approach was not effective despite increased funding. He emphasized the need to realign HHS with its core mission of improving public health. However, the workers saw it differently. They argued that the cuts would disrupt essential services, particularly in rural and low-income communities. They feared an increase in overdose deaths and suicides as crucial programs and research were dismantled.

        The employees also expressed frustration with the lack of transparency and data supporting the cuts. They believed that the administration did not fully understand the impact of their work on communities. For these workers, their jobs were more than just a paycheck. They saw it as a calling to serve and help people, a mission they took pride in. The uncertainty and stress of the past months had taken a toll on their mental health and personal lives. Some wondered if they would ever return to government work, while others remained hopeful.

        The workers also highlighted the broader implications of the cuts. They argued that the administration’s actions would affect not just the employees but also the communities they served. They believed that the cuts would lead to a decline in public health outcomes, contradicting the administration’s stated goals. As they looked to the future, the workers remained committed to their mission of improving public health, even if it meant finding new ways to do so.

Federal Workers' Shocking Day: The Unexpected Job Cuts

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