Story perspectives

USDA Carver Center Bedbug Outbreak Persists Amid Budget Cuts

6/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland, has a bed-bug infestation persisting as of June 2 2026.
President Donald Trump’s budget cuts reduced agency funding and staff, leaving it understaffed before the outbreak.
Workers teleworked during fumigation and later returned to fumes that caused illness.
Kelly Moore and Carson Hawley told staff to use personal time off and blamed personal items for the bugs.

1 of 1

Story summary

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland, has a bed-bug infestation persisting as of June 2 2026.
President Donald Trump’s budget cuts reduced agency funding and staff, leaving it understaffed before the outbreak.
Workers teleworked during fumigation and later returned to fumes that caused illness.
Kelly Moore and Carson Hawley told staff to use personal time off and blamed personal items for the bugs.