Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trump's FDA Layoffs Threaten Bird Flu Response Efforts

4/4/2025

50 8

Summary

Story summary

The Trump administration's drastic layoffs at the FDA, spearheaded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have thrown bird flu response efforts into chaos. With approximately 3,500 employees gone, vital food safety testing and veterinary services are at risk. Experts fear these cuts could exacerbate the outbreak, which has already affected nearly 1,000 dairy herds and devastated poultry populations.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Trump administration's drastic layoffs at the FDA, spearheaded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have thrown bird flu response efforts into chaos. With approximately 3,500 employees gone, vital food safety testing and veterinary services are at risk. Experts fear these cuts could exacerbate the outbreak, which has already affected nearly 1,000 dairy herds and devastated poultry populations.