Fact Check: "HHS fired entire LIHEAP team, then rehired one employee to distribute $400 million."
What We Know
The claim that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) fired the entire team responsible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and subsequently rehired one employee to manage the distribution of $400 million is based on several reports. On April 1, 2025, HHS laid off the entire staff overseeing LIHEAP, which is a crucial program that assists approximately 6.2 million low-income households with their energy bills each year (AP News, NLIHC). This mass termination was part of a broader restructuring effort that affected around 10,000 employees across the department.
Following the layoffs, it was reported that HHS rehired one employee for a short duration to handle the distribution of LIHEAP funds, which included approximately $400 million that had not yet been allocated to states (CNN). The rehiring was seen as a necessary step to ensure that the funds could be properly managed and distributed, given the urgency of the situation as states were concerned about their ability to continue providing assistance without federal support (The Hill).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is well-documented in multiple credible sources. The initial layoff of the entire LIHEAP team is confirmed by reports from the Associated Press and the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which detail the impact of these layoffs on the program and the communities it serves (AP News, NLIHC). The rehiring of one employee to manage the distribution of funds is also corroborated by CNN, which highlights the urgency of ensuring that the $400 million in federal assistance could be allocated effectively (CNN).
However, while the claim is largely accurate, it is important to note that the rehiring of one employee does not imply a full restoration of the LIHEAP team or its operational capacity. The rehired employee was tasked with a temporary role to manage the immediate distribution of funds, which raises questions about the long-term viability of the program without a full staff. Additionally, the context of the layoffs and the subsequent rehiring suggests a chaotic restructuring process rather than a straightforward firing and rehiring scenario.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the Associated Press and CNN being well-respected news organizations. However, the framing of the situation can vary, and some reports may emphasize different aspects of the layoffs and rehiring process, which can affect public perception.
Conclusion
The claim that "HHS fired the entire LIHEAP team, then rehired one employee to distribute $400 million" is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the events surrounding the layoffs and the rehiring of one employee, it does not capture the broader implications of these actions on the LIHEAP program's operational capacity and the ongoing concerns from state officials regarding the program's future. The rehiring was a necessary but temporary measure in response to a significant staffing crisis.
