Fact Check: Over 400 CDC staff may be called back after layoffs due to funding issues.

Fact Check: "Over 400 CDC staff may be called back after layoffs due to funding issues."

What We Know

The claim that over 400 staff members at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may be called back after layoffs is supported by recent developments. On June 11, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) notified more than 400 laid-off CDC employees that their reduction in force (RIF) notifications had been revoked, indicating a potential reinstatement of these workers (NPR). This group primarily includes employees from the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, as well as the National Center for Environmental Health (NPR).

The CDC has faced significant staffing reductions, with nearly one-quarter of its workforce cut since the beginning of the Trump administration, totaling around 3,000 employees (Government Executive). Despite these layoffs, the agency has been working to reverse some of the cuts, with approximately 800 of the 2,400 RIF notices issued in April being rescinded (Government Executive).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as multiple reputable sources confirm that over 400 CDC employees are being considered for reinstatement following layoffs. The NPR article specifically states that HHS has revoked the layoff notices for these employees, indicating a reversal of the earlier decision to cut their positions (NPR).

Additionally, the Government Executive report highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the CDC due to staffing shortages, which have led to operational disruptions and a loss of expertise (Government Executive). The credibility of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations that provide thorough reporting on public health matters.

However, it is important to note that the reinstatement of these employees may not fully address the staffing issues at the CDC, as the agency continues to face a hiring freeze and other operational challenges (Government Executive).

Conclusion

The claim that "over 400 CDC staff may be called back after layoffs due to funding issues" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that HHS has revoked layoff notices for over 400 CDC employees, indicating a potential reinstatement. While this development is positive, the overall staffing situation at the CDC remains precarious, with ongoing challenges that could impact public health operations.

Fact Check: Over 400 CDC staff may be called back after layoffs due to funding issues.