Hundreds of CDC ‘disease detectives’ fired—then reinstated—in mass layoffs tied to Trump shutdown

In a troubling turn of events, hundreds of CDC employees, often referred to as 'disease detectives,' were initially laid off due to the government shutdown linked to Trump, only to be reinstated later. This situation highlights the precarious balance between public health and political decisions, raising concerns about the impact on disease control efforts. The voices of former officials like Anne Schuchat emphasize the unusual nature of facing challenges from the government rather than natural threats, underscoring the importance of stable funding for health agencies.