Staff Cuts at CDC Amid Shutdown Firings
- Mass terminations at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, specifically impacting the staff of its flagship publication, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), occurred on October 11,...
- According to five sources familiar with the situation, the staff of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), often referred to as the "voice of the CDC," has...
- Charlotte Kent, former editor-in-chief of MMWR, confirmed in her first public interview since leaving the agency in February that almost the entire MMWR staff had been laid off.
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CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Staff Considerably Reduced Amid Shutdown
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Mass terminations at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, specifically impacting the staff of its flagship publication, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), occurred on October 11, 2025, as part of broader federal government layoffs during a continuing shutdown. The health and Human Services Department attributed the cuts to the shutdown, while the Trump governance indicated the layoffs targeted programs it characterized as “Democrat.”
Shutdown’s Impact on CDC’s Core Publication
According to five sources familiar with the situation, the staff of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), often referred to as the “voice of the CDC,” has been substantially reduced due to layoffs stemming from the ongoing government shutdown.the Health and Human Services Department has attributed these cuts to the budgetary constraints imposed by the shutdown.
Charlotte Kent, former editor-in-chief of MMWR, confirmed in her first public interview since leaving the agency in February that almost the entire MMWR staff had been laid off. STAT News reported that these firings were part of a larger wave of terminations initiated by the Trump administration on Friday, October 11, 2025.
Political Context and administration Statements
The Trump administration framed the layoffs as targeting programs it identified as favoring democrats, as stated by the president himself. This characterization has drawn criticism from Democrats and public health advocates who argue that public health is a non-partisan issue. The ongoing shutdown began after disagreements between the President and Congressional Democrats over funding for a border wall.
The administration’s decision to specifically target programs it deemed “Democrat” raises concerns about the politicization of public health data and the potential for biased decision-making. This approach contrasts with the traditionally apolitical nature of the CDC and its mission to protect the health of all Americans.
The Importance of MMWR
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) is a critical publication for public health professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Established in 1957, MMWR provides timely and accurate information on disease outbreaks, health trends, and public health interventions. The CDC’s website details the history and scope of the publication.
MMWR’s reports are used to inform public health policy, guide clinical practice, and track the effectiveness of public health programs. The publication’s rapid dissemination of information is essential for responding to emerging health threats and protecting the public from disease. A disruption in MMWR’s operations could have significant consequences for public health surveillance and response efforts.
| Year | Average Weekly Reports Published |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 53 |
| 2021 | 52 |
| 2022 | 51 |
| 2023 | 50 |
| 2024 | 48 |