More than 20,500 HHS workers left or were pushed out
Reporting and findings
- reported
ProPublica's analysis of the HHS employee directory found more than 20,500 workers, about 18 percent of the department, had departed or been pushed out, including more than 3,000 scientists and public-health specialists and more than 1,000 regulators and inspectors.
- ProPublica: How Deeply Trump Has Cut Federal Health AgenciesPassages and source records documenting: More than 20,500 HHS workers left or were pushed out
- documented
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was the Trump-appointed health and human services secretary.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.Appointment or biography record identifying Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Trump-appointed health and human services secretary
- documented
Elon Musk was the Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work.
- The White House: President Trump participates in a press conference with departing DOGE adviser Elon MuskAppointment or biography record identifying Elon Musk as Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- documented
Russell Vought was the Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director.
- United States Senate: Roll Call Vote 37: Confirmation of Russell VoughtAppointment or biography record identifying Russell Vought as Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
Summary and current status
The 18-percent loss removed scientists, safety inspectors, grant staff, technicians, and the support workers who keep labs functioning.
ProPublica measured more than 20,500 departures across HHS agencies
People and organizations
- Russell VoughtTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Trump-appointed health and human services secretary
- Elon MuskTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Serviceshealth department subjected to restructuring and attrition
- Donald J. Trumppresident authorizing the administration action
Relationships in this file
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.implemented an 18-percent workforce contractionU.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed health and human services secretaryRobert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE workElon Musk
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB directorRussell Vought
Figures
HHS workforce departuresmore than 20,500 people Calculation details
- Basis
- Observed
- Population
- Department of Health and Human Services workforce
- Period
- 2025-01-20 to 2025-08-21
- Method
- ProPublica comparison of public HHS employee-directory records and departure reporting.
- Uncertainty
- Undercount excludes some employees still listed or on leave; includes voluntary and involuntary exits.