Trump administration terminates probationary employees at federal health agencies

The Trump administration has terminated several probationary employees from federal health agencies as part of a government downsizing effort. Thousands received letters citing inadequate performance and lack of fit, with some exemptions for CDC and FDA staff. The dismissals were announced after President Trump signed an executive order for large-scale reductions in force. Probationary employees, typically those with less than a year of service, face easier dismissal than established workers. While over 5,000 staff were initially targeted, not all received termination notices. Some notices were sent in error. Certain programs, like the CDC's epidemic intelligence service, avoided cuts, while others, such as the Public Health Associate Program, were eliminated.