Former CDC Officials Warn of Staffing Crisis After Major Cuts

Two former senior managers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are speaking out about what they call a dangerous reduction in the agency's workforce.

Former Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deb Houry and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who both resigned in protest six weeks ago, claim the CDC has lost 25% of its staff over the past eight months—marking the third round of cuts to hit the Atlanta-based agency.

The officials warn these reductions are hampering the CDC's ability to protect public health. Meanwhile, HHS has defended the cuts and blamed opposition party leadership for the reductions, though questions remain about why more than 700 terminated employees were rehired within 24 hours of their dismissal.

The CDC employees union has vowed legal action, calling the firings illegal.

Watch the full report above to hear directly from the former CDC officials about their concerns and what these staffing changes could mean for America's public health infrastructure.