CDC zombie programs persist after layoffs
Analysis based on 28 articles · First reported Aug 18, 2026 · Last updated Aug 20, 2026
The CDC's inability to staff funded programs undermines public health surveillance and disease prevention, potentially increasing long-term healthcare costs and reducing the effectiveness of federal health initiatives. This dysfunction may erode public trust in government health agencies and create uncertainty for healthcare providers and researchers reliant on CDC data and guidance.
The United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has numerous congressionally funded programs that lack staff to operate them, dubbed 'zombie programs.' These include the Office on Smoking and Health ($246 million), an Alzheimer's initiative ($41 million), epilepsy tracking ($11 million), sickle cell data collection ($6 million), and others. The staffing shortages stem from layoffs initiated in April 2025 by the Trump administration as part of a broader effort to restructure the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and consolidate programs under the proposed Administration for a Healthy America. Led by Elon Musk and the United States — Department of Government Efficiency, the cuts removed thousands of experts. While some cuts were reversed, many employees remain on paid administrative leave due to litigation. New CDC director Erica Schwartz inherited these programs and faces congressional pressure to restore them. Democrats argue the situation violates the Impoundment Control Act, but enforcement is limited. Despite Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s plans to hire 12,000 workers, union officials report minimal rehiring has occurred.
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