Unrest at the CDC: Employees share their uncertain futures and ongoing projects amidst gunfire incidents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta faced a series of challenges under the Trump administration's second presidency, particularly in the realm of HIV prevention.
On August 8, a tragic incident occurred when a gunman identified as Patrick Joseph White fired shots at CDC buildings, resulting in the death of a first responder, DeKalb County police officer David Rose. This incident added another level of anxiety for agency workers, who were already grappling with the repercussions of the administration's policies.
Under the Trump administration, HIV prevention efforts at the CDC experienced significant disruptions and setbacks. In late January 2025, several CDC websites and datasets related to HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) prevention became unavailable. The CDC was also ordered to retract or pause publication of research involving certain terms such as "LGBT," "transgender," and related concepts. This restriction on research topics essential for inclusive HIV prevention and public health communication was a concerning development.
Furthermore, in mid-February 2025, around 1,300 CDC employees were laid off, impacting multiple divisions, although specific cuts to HIV prevention programs were not detailed in the sources. The focus of these cuts was broader but likely affected overall public health capacity, including HIV-related efforts.
The existing National HIV/AIDS strategy (2022–2025) promotes targeted prevention in vulnerable populations, recognizing racism as a serious public health threat in HIV outcomes and disparities. However, sex education efforts have declined in recent years, with increasing emphasis on abstinence-only education in many states, which correlates with rising HIV infection rates among teens and young adults.
The Trump administration's policies severely curtailed CDC research and information dissemination on HIV prevention focusing on marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQ+ populations. The future of the CDC and its work on HIV and other threats concerns many workers, whose jobs were reinstated after disruptions under the Trump administration but are currently in a budgetary, political, and professional limbo.
Georgia leads U.S. states in the rate of new HIV infections, making the CDC's work on HIV prevention crucial. However, the White House's proposed CDC budget for the next fiscal year contains a cut of more than 50%. This proposed budget plummeted from $9.2 billion in fiscal year 2025 to about $4.2 billion, raising concerns about the agency's ability to continue its vital work.
The CDC's programs on HIV face uncertainty under the Trump administration's budget request. If the prevention program is eliminated, most states would not be able to conduct HIV testing, referral to care, and/or referral to preventive services like PrEP. The CDC Division of HIV Prevention, which provides funds to state health departments and other groups for testing and prevention, conducts HIV monitoring and surveillance, researches HIV prevention and care, and assists medical professionals with training and education, may be eliminated under the Trump restructuring plan.
The elimination of the prevention program could lead to an increased spread of HIV across the United States. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has recently laid off or reassigned dozens of HIV workers due to funding problems, further exacerbating the situation. The Medical Monitoring Project, which tracks outcomes, quality, and gaps in HIV treatment, is set to be a casualty under the Trump restructuring plan.
Healthbeat interviewed 11 CDC workers, who offered a rare glimpse into conditions at the agency. All but one had been fired then offered their jobs back. The Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, launched in President Trump's first term, is jeopardized by the administration's plan to scale back HIV prevention efforts.
Vulnerable communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities could be deeply harmed by funding cuts. The White House has not communicated with the rank and file about the restructuring, adding to the uncertainty and anxiety among the CDC workers.
This assessment is based on the most recent data available up to August 2025 from the cited sources. The news is concerning, with the Trump administration's policies and budget cuts posing a significant threat to the CDC's HIV prevention efforts and public health as a whole.
- The CDC workers expressed concerns about the Trump administration's policies and budget cuts, especially their potential impact on mental health in the workplace-wellness.
- The Trump administration's practices in science and politics have raised general-news concerns about the future of health-and-wellness initiatives, such as HIV prevention, and have been particularly critical for marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community.
- Crimes like the shooting at CDC buildings and the subsequent layoffs of CDC employees have added to the stress and anxiety of those working at the agency.
- As the CDC grapples with these challenges, it faces a daunting task in maintaining its mission of public health and HIV prevention, given the proposed budget cuts and the potential elimination of critical programs, which could lead to a surge in crime and justice-related issues, such as HIV infection rates.
