Former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf has warned that privatization could exacerbate existing health disparities in America.

Additionally, researchers have raised alarms about the abrupt cancellation of numerous health care grants aimed at understanding vaccine hesitancy, which could adversely affect public health initiatives.

This restructuring decision comes as part of ongoing discussions regarding budget constraints and the necessity for efficiency within federal agencies.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a major restructuring plan that will result in the layoffs of 10,000 employees, reducing its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000.

Most of the job cuts will impact public health agencies, with 3,500 positions eliminated from the Food and Drug Administration and 2,400 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Public health experts and HHS employees have expressed deep concerns that these cuts will negatively affect health services and food safety for millions of Americans.

In a related move, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will absorb the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response to bolster public health emergency response capabilities.

Senator Patty Murray has warned that these cuts could severely hinder the U.S.'s ability to respond to public health emergencies, such as pandemics and epidemics.

Brian Ronholm of Consumer Reports echoed these concerns, stating that the cuts threaten public health and food safety.

Kennedy, who became Health Secretary in mid-February 2025, has faced criticism for his anti-vaccine stance and the push for significant personnel reductions.

His restructuring plan is part of the 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda, which aims to address chronic disease epidemics by emphasizing nutritious food over pharmaceuticals.

Amid these changes, skepticism within the health sector is prevalent, with experts arguing that reducing public health infrastructure will worsen health outcomes for vulnerable populations.