Kennedy Says US Health Agency Has 72,000 Staff, up From 62,000 After DOGE Cuts
April 16, 2026
WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on Thursday his department now has...
The total number of staff at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has climbed to 72,000, a significant increase from the 62,000 employees left after a wave of cuts in 2025. This statement from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. marks a notable reversal in the agency's workforce size, which was dramatically reduced as part of a government-wide efficiency initiative.
The initial staff reductions were a key part of the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) initiative, which aimed to decrease the size and scope of the federal government. In early 2025, HHS announced a plan to shrink its workforce from approximately 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees through a combination of layoffs, early retirements, and other attrition methods. The stated goal was to eliminate perceived waste and streamline operations.
The downsizing was felt across the department's many agencies, with the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health all seeing significant personnel reductions. These cuts were met with considerable controversy and warnings from public health experts about the potential impact on the nation's health infrastructure and the loss of institutional knowledge. Critics argued that such deep and rapid reductions could compromise the agencies' ability to respond to public health crises and carry out their core missions.
However, it soon became apparent that some of the cuts were too deep. Shortly after the major layoffs in the spring of 2025, Secretary Kennedy acknowledged that "mistakes" had been made and that some essential personnel had been let go in error. He indicated that a portion of the dismissed employees would be reinstated, suggesting that the initial reduction was more severe than intended. This led to a period of rehiring and a gradual rebuilding of the department's workforce throughout the latter half of 2025 and into 2026.
The current staffing level of 72,000 indicates that the department has now restored 10,000 positions from its lowest point. This move suggests a recalibration of the administration's approach, acknowledging the necessity of a larger workforce to manage the nation's complex public health challenges. The ongoing debate over the proper size and role of federal health agencies is likely to continue as the department navigates its new operational landscape and priorities.
Source: usnews